Most individuals think that skin cancer is only a minor health problem. Nevertheless, in North American region, a person dies from this kind of cancer one in every hour. This is very sad because much of skin cancer can be prevented or cured when discovered on its early stage. Here is some advice on protecting your skin and preventing this type of cancer.
Cancer of the skin occurs when cells of malignant nature develop in the outer layers of the skin, most especially in portions that are unprotected from the sun like the arms, hands, neck, & face.
The top causes of this condition is spending much time exposed to the sun particularly those living in a sunny environment all year round. Experiencing sunburn is a sign that your exposure to the sun is excessive. Artificial sources of UV (ultraviolet) radiation such as tanning salons & sunlamps are the most areas taken for granted. Fair skinned individuals mainly blonds or red heads are most vulnerable. A profusion of freckles or moles is also susceptible to cancer. A history of this condition in your family will be a good warning.
To protect yourself from the sun, stay under canopies or awnings on days when the sun is full strength and utilize a sun block with SPF-15 or higher even in the winter season. Wrap your bare skin, use long sleeves, wear a wide-brimmed hat, etc. Check your moles for growth or changes in its outer shell & for sensitivity once every month. Make regular appointments with your family physician or a dermatologist if you have a history in the family.
The treatment depends on what type of skin cancer it is, the location and size of the tumor & your over-all health. The cancer may have reached deep into the skin or metastasized to other places in the body. Treatment ranges from surgery to chemotherapy to radiation therapy to immunotherapy, which targets the tumor specifically.
The most common type of skin cancer is the basal cell carcinoma where the lesions occur on the neck or head in persons that are 40 yrs old and above. It materializes as a tiny pearl-colored bump that increases in size and may bleed at the slightest irritation. This can be fatal resulting in death.
Squamous cell carcinoma crops up on individuals 50 yrs old and above whose skins have been damaged by the sun. The tumor will show up as flat & red, and progress into raised scaly mounds. This cancer is the commonest non-melanomic form and can originate from tumors on the lip, ear, or during suppression of the immune system as in kidney transplant patients. It is commonly treated surgically or by time radiation therapy.
That's the reason why we shouldn't take skin cancer for granted. Everybody should put on some sun block most especially men. You can purchase sun protection from online retailers of men's skin care which also deal in Coochy shaving cream as well as the art of shaving shaving cream.