Skin Cancer
The affects of skin cancer
Who is at risk?
- People with freckles.
- Those with fair skin tones.
- Those who burn easily.
- People with light colored eyes, like green and blue eyes.
- People with naturally red or blonde hair.
- People who spend a lot of time outdoors.
- People who have a family history of skin cancer or melanoma.
How does it affect the body?
Skin cancer begins in the cells that make up the epidermis -- the top layer of skin. When the DNA that controls the cells' growth is damaged, it causes an overgrowth and buildup of skin cells. Eventually, this skin cell buildup forms a tumor, which results in the symptoms you see, such as irregular spots, red bumps, or scaly patches on your skin. Skin cancer most commonly affects areas of skin that are exposed to the sun but may develop almost anywhere on the body. If left untreated, skin cancer can grow deep into the skin and spread through the rest of the body, causing serious complications.
What might cause it?
Many causes of skin cancer include UV light exposure, the use of tanning boothes, exposure to unusually high levels of x-rays, and contact with certain chemicals - arsenic hydrocarbons in tar, oils, and soot.
Help Groups for Skin Cancer
American Cancer Society: A major information source. Gives support to patients, survivors and caregivers, including seniors and minors. Web Site: www.cancer.org Melanoma International Foundation: The phone number is a “patient navigation hotline” to help patients and their families gain a better understanding of the disease and where to go for treatment. Answers to questions and information are offered, mostly via e-mail, to people as far away as China. Web Site: www.melanomaintl.org Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF): Presents a series of six symposia on diagnosis and treatment each year for patients, their families, and health care professionals, with an opportunity to consult physician presenters. Manages www.mpip.org, a website enabling patients and others concerned about melanoma to share experiences. Web Site: www.melanoma.org
This flyer was created for a high school class assignment. All information and photos used in this flyer can be found at the sites provided.
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/skin_cancer/page2_em.htm
http://www.sharecare.com/question/how-skin-cancer-affect-body
http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/support
http://cancer.about.com/od/skincancermelanoma/a/skincancerrisk.htm