Skin Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for both women and men. The number of confirmed cases has steadily increased over the past few decades. Knowing your risk factors, how to identify the early stages of this disease and how to protect yourself from skin cancer is essential for early detection and effective treatment.

There are two types of skin cancer: melanomas and keratinocyte cancers. Melanomas are less common yet more serious than other types of skin cancer. It is important that you locate and receive treatment for all types of this cancer to prevent the spread into surrounding tissues.

A major risk factor for skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight or tanning beds. UV rays can penetrate the skin even when it is cloudy, cool or hazy outside. There are some things you can do to limit your sun exposure. Many physicians recommend daily use of sunscreen. You should seek shade when spending time outdoors and try to avoid activities outside when the sun's rays are strongest, usually between 10am and 4 pm. Hats, sunglasses and protective clothing protect your skin from UV exposure. Stay away from indoor tanning beds as they have been linked to melanoma and squamous cell skin cancers.

Individuals with fair skin that freckles and burns easily are at a higher risk for this type of cancer than those individuals with darker skin. This is because pigment or melanin in your skin provides protection from UV radiation. If you have light-colored eyes and blond or red hair, you may be at a higher risk as well. According to the Mayo Clinic, some other risk factors include:

Personal or family history of skin cancerExcessive sun exposureHistory of sunburnsMolesWeakened immune systemIncreasing age

No matter what your risk factors, it is important that you examine your skin each month. Many skin cancers are highly treatable with early diagnosis. Look for any changes in moles or unusual areas on your skin. Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist for a thorough skin exam each year. These check-ups are the best way to make sure that your skin remains healthy.

If you or the dermatologist finds a spot on your skin that causes concern, he may take a biopsy of the area. If the lab finds cancerous or pre-cancerous cells, more tests may be needed to determine the stage, type and extent of the cancer. Once the cancer is staged, the physician will determine which treatment options will be most effective. Most skin cancers are highly treatable if found early. Follow up exams and tests will be needed to ensure that the cancer does not reoccur.

While there is no way to avoid UV exposure completely, taking a few precautions can make a big difference in the overall health of your skin. Be vigilant about your skin checks and contact your physician with any concerns. With a little bit of prevention and routine checks, you may be able to lower your risk for developing any form of skin cancer.

Laura Mims is a writer for FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, North Carolina, which specializes in oncology, cancer care and cancer treatment for most types of cancer, including skin cancer.

Original article

Complete Skin Cancer Prevention With Sun Protective Swimwear

Recognizing skin cancer is very important to ensure that you receive early treatment. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, and it can show up anywhere on the body. This type of skin cancer can develop from a mole you have always had or even on a patch of skin that was once perfectly clear.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type, and it usually looks like a red bump on the neck, head, arms, legs, or upper torso. Squamous cell carcinoma looks like a scaly bump and usually shows up on any part of the skin that is normally exposed to the sun.

Another type of skin issue to notice is sunspots, which usually appear on people who are at least 40 years old. They are not cancerous, but they can be an early sign that you will develop skin cancer in the future.

Of course recognizing skin cancer early is the first step in getting treatment successfully, but there is no reason to expose yourself to the risk of developing skin cancer. Adults should practice sun protective measures and also teach their children about sun protection. Children's skin is more vulnerable to the sun than adults' skin, and part of your cancer risk is related to how many sunburns you had as a child.

Sun protective swimwear is the first line of defense against skin cancer. Always look for garments with a UPF, or ultraviolet protection factor, of 50+. This is the highest level of ultraviolet radiation protection available in clothing. These types of suits tend to cover a lot more skin than the skimpy bathing suits that have been popular in recent years. Keeping the skin covered is the only way to lower the risk of skin cancer. Sun protective swimwear is also made of fabrics that are more tightly woven because they help keep the sun's rays from hitting the skin.

In addition to sun protective swimwear, you should always make sure to include hats or caps to keep the sun off your children's heads and faces. Also apply sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 on all areas of the skin that are not covered by sun protective clothing. Together, sunscreen and sun protective swimwear and clothing provide all the protection you need against the sun's UVR radiation. Just remember to plan ahead, and your skin will thank you many years from now.

Gorgeous sun protective swimwear that appeals to the fashion savvy--being sun smart has never looked this good!

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Skin Cancer Prevention - Ten Ways to Protects Yourself From UV Rays

Skin cancer is considered one of the most widespread form of cancers accounting for about 50% of all cancers. It is associated with life-time exposure to ultraviolet radiation, therefore most skin cancers appear after age 50. It is actually more widespread than you may think, one in every 5 Americans will develop it during their life time. It is the leading cancer in the United States, which affects two million people each year.

According to recent reports, 40 to 50 percent of US citizens who survive until age 65 are going to have skin cancer at one time or another. High-risk groups consist of farm owners, laborers, mariners, campers, athletes, individuals going through military training, beach lovers, and picnickers. Research indicates that extreme sunburns during childhood maximize the chance of developing skin cancer later on in life.

The most effective method to prevent developing cancer of the skin will be to protect your skin by keeping yourself away from afternoon sunlight, applying sun screens when out under the sun and also to stay away from sun tanning beds. But besides early diagnosis, you can and really should try everything within your capacity to protect against cancer of the skin from ever happening to begin with.

Top Ten Ways to Protect Yourself From UV Rays

1. Use sun screen lotion that has a Sun-protection Factor (SPF) that is at least 15. Ensure it is water-resistant and re-apply every 2 hours, specially right after swimming or excessive sweating.

2. Apply sun screen lotion 30 minutes prior to going outdoors so that your skin has a chance to absorb it.

3. Be generous in use of sun screen lotion. One ounce of sun screen lotion ought to cover the face, neck, legs and arms of the average adult.

4. Dress in protective clothing, like hats, sun glasses, pants and long-sleeved shirts

5. Look for shade whenever possible, specially during the hours of 10:00 am to 4:00 pm when the sun rays are strongest.

6. Steer clear of sun tanning beds as ultra-violet light can result in skin cancer and wrinkles. Use a self-tanning product but also use sun screen lotion with it.

7. Safeguard small children by reapplying sun screen lotion frequently with an SPF that is at least 15, having them play in the shade and dress in protective clothing.

8. Children younger than 6 months should never ever be in direct sunlight and should always dress in a hat and clothes that safeguards them from ultra violet rays.

9. Adults ought to perform regular self-exams. It's a good way to detect abnormalities

10. Consult with your dermatologist and have a full body scan once per year.

Please visit Cancer Survival Stories if you are a survivor of skin cancer and would like to share your story.

Original article

Prevention VS Cure: Skin Cancer

Of the cancers diagnosed worldwide, one in three is skin cancer. In the United States, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and in Australia, two in three Australians will be diagnosed with cancer of the skin by the age of 70. It is the most common cancer for people aged 15 to 44. With the continuing depletion of the ozone layer and the rise in outdoor activities, especially by the water's edge, over the last century, the global rates of skin cancer will continue to increase. The frustrating aspect of this disease is that it is largely preventable by taking protective measures. If detected early and treated, most cases of the disease can be cured.

There are three types of skin cancer: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, but it is rare. It can develop on any area of the body, from existing moles, or from normal skin. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common of skin cancers, and it is the least dangerous. It is easily treated and tends to appear on skin generally exposed to the sun, including the head, neck, upper torso, and limbs. Squamous cell carcinoma is the next most common form of skin cancer after BCC, and while not as dangerous as melanoma, it can spread through the body if left untreated. It also develops on sun-exposed skin areas like the head, neck, forearms, hands, torso, and limbs.

Preventing cancer depends largely on the sun protection measures that you take. Choose sun protective wear, including swimwear, when you are enjoying the beach or lakeside. Cover exposed skin with high SPF sunscreens of at least 30 SPF, broad-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with EPF ratings of 10. Staying out of the sun during its peak hours of 10am and 2 pm and choosing shade when you're out will further enhance your protective coverage. Keep an eye on any moles on your skin and show them to your doctor if you see that a new mole appears and grows. Also point out any change in existing moles, moles that bleed, those that are persistently itchy, or a mole or skin ulcer that doesn't heal. You can easily minimize your risk of skin cancer if you take care in the sun. After all, skin cancer prevention requires little effort and is always better than the cure.

Oz Swimwear sells Sun Emporium, a leading Australian brand of quality swimwear - designed to offer excellent UV sun protection to delicate young skin.

Original article