Skin Cancer: Know the Facts

By: Jessica Vandelay

The biggest risk factor to acquiring skin cancers is extreme exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation. One day's exposure to the sun can prompt the skin to a self-protect response of creating more melanin, resulting in tanning and sunburns.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer with more than 1 million Americans diagnosed per year. The most common skin cancers are carcinomas involving basal or squamous cells and can usually be cured by removal. While Melanoma is the least common skin cancer, it is the deadliest, and can be fatal if not detected early. Melanoma is fatal in 45% of cases. While all skin tones are susceptible to skin cancer people with fair skin are at a higher risk. If you have red, blonde or light brown hair you need to take extra precautions. People with a large number of freckles or moles are also at a greater risk as is anyone with a family history of skin cancer.

Get in the habit of examining your entire body once a month. For best results examine skin in a well-lit room. Use a mirror for hard-to-see areas and a full-length mirror for your backside.

You should be familiar with all the marks including moles, freckles, scars, age spots, birthmarks and any other lesions on your body. Make note of the size, shape, color, texture and condition of all your markings. Some characteristics may indicate potential cancers: asymmetry, irregular borders, change in color, large in diameter and raised or uneven textures. If anything seems unusual, consult your doctor. To stay on top of skin cancer news see magazine titles such as Advances in Skin and Wound Care and Bottom Line/Health.

Fortunately skin cancers are preventable without much effort. Skin cancer is preventable by limiting sunlight exposure, especially during UV radiation peak times between 11am-3pm, avoiding tanning beds and by liberally using appropriate sunscreens for different skin types. There are a beaucoup of skincare lotions and products on the market that aid in protection from the sun. To find out more about the best skincare products see magazine titles such as O, The Oprah Magazine, Health and Women’s Health.

For a complete list of health magazine titles including Women and Cancer visit http://www.magazines.com/ncom/mag?view=1&btn=B&l=10&search=health Jessica Vandelay is a free-lance writer in New York City.

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