Skin cancer: Types and prevention

14 December, 2009 No Comment

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that is fortunately highly treatable when detected timely. Almost every case of skin cancer can be accounted to excessive exposure to ultra violet radiation of the sun, particularly during childhood. Other risk factors for skin cancer include exposure to radioactive materials, coal, arsenic, tar etc.

Research tells us that men and women are at an equal risk for developing skin cancer. But individuals with naturally darker skin tones are less likely to develop this disease as compared to those with fairer skin tones. Skin cancer can be caused by severe, cute or chronic sun reactions.

Types of skin cancer:

The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Almost 95% of all skin cancer cases each year can be attributed to basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma.

These are known to afflict those areas of the body which are exposed to the sun over a long period of time such as the face, hands, arms and neck. They make an appearance in the form of pale, waxy nodules or scaly red patches that are distinctly outlined. They are painless and bleed occasionally or result in an open sore on the surface of the skin.

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and spreads rapidly. It is most common among women falling in the age group of 25-29 years. It most commonly afflicts the chest, abdomen, back and lower legs. Melanoma usually makes an appearance at the place of a pre-existing mole which begins to become blotchy, enlarges or changes in color and tends to itch or burn and bleeds easily.

Prevention against skin cancer:

Since most of the cases of skin cancer can be attributed to the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, this type of cancer can be easily prevented. You must avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and use a good sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or more before stepping outdoors.

Make sure to use an umbrella and cover your eyes with sunglasses before going outdoors. Wear adequate clothing that covers all body parts and avoid sun bathing.

The use of suntans too is accountable for the development of skin cancer. Thus, you must avoid tanning salons and take necessary precautions to protect yourself against sun damage.

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