The following are the main causes of skin cancer.
1/ Ultra-violet rays from the sun – the two associated with skin cancer are UVA (ultra-violet A) and UVB (ultra-violet B) rays. UVB rays are the shorter-wave solar rays and are more unlikely to cause skin reddening and sunburn. UVA rays, however, would have more permanent damages to the skin as they penetrate much deeper to the skin. Latest studies show that UVA not only increases UVB’s cancer-causing effects, but may also directly cause some skin cancers, including melanomas.
2/ Family History – recent research confirms that the risk of melanoma is more than double in people with a family history of skin cancer. Though having someone in the family with skin cancer does not necessarily mean that you will get it too, it certainly warrants some extra attention because of the higher risk factor.
3/ Chemical Exposure – some chemicals might cause harm when they come into contact with your skin. Insecticides, for instance, often contain substances like arsenic that are dangerous to the skin. They can increase the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer. Nevertheless, people working in environments in regular contact with chemicals and industrial materials (such as petroleum derivatives, arsenicals, and coal tar) are more likely to develop some type of skin cancer.
4/ Smoking — whilst it is common knowledge that smoking is linked to other types of cancer such as mouth and lung cancers, the tobacco used in cigarettes etc could be a cause to developing skin cancer too.
5/ Radiation Exposure – there are concerns that radiation therapy that some children undergo for other cancer treatments may increase the risk of developing a non-melanoma skin cancer. Also, people working with X-rays, including medical, nursing and radiographic personnels are subject to higher risks.
6/ Skin Condition and Geography – certain skin conditions can increase a person’s risk of developing skin cancer. For instance, people with light to fair skin living in tropical or subtropical climates, such as the American Southwest, equatorial Africa, Hawaii, and Australia, generally have very high incidences of skin cancer. Serious injuries to the skin, if not healed in time, could raise the chance for non-melanoma skin cancer. Likewise for scars from very bad burns.
7/ Weak Immune System – the immune system is part of the body’s defense against bacteria and cancerous formations. When the immune system is strong, the antibodies and immune cells are better able to do their job in neutralizing the free radicals and getting rid of the harmful elements from the body. Conversely, a weak immune system would open up a lot of possibilities as cancerous cells could spread out fast and divide in ways that are hard to predict.
Filed under Prevention, Symptoms, skin cancer diagnosis by on Dec 9th, 2009. Comment. 
This information from the Skin Cancer Foundation of Australia should prove to be helpful in identifying basal cell carcinomas.
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Filed under Symptoms, skin cancer diagnosis, types of skin cancer by on Dec 6th, 2009. Comment.
Skin cancer is one of the common forms of cancer these days. In comparison with the other forms of cancer, it is less life-threatening because it is more noticeable even at early stages of its formation.
It is relatively easy to detect with self inspection of the skin. Besides, there are obvious ways that people can follow to minimize possibility of skin cancer from even occurring in the first place.
It is a good idea to incorporate as part of a routine physical checkup that your doctor examines your skin for any abnormal growths or discoloration, etc. You should also check your skin regularly at least once a month.
Checking your skin for skin cancer is quick, easy, and painless. When you do your self examination, you will want to take your time to really get a good look at your skin and bear in mind the various signs of cancerous growths. Make sure that you are in a well lit area and preferably with a full length mirror. Get ready a hand mirror as well because there will likely be areas that are not so easy to see with only one mirror. Carefully observe your skin and condition. You would gain a lot better understanding about how your healthy skin would look, and set a comparison to whatever that might look suspicious.
When examining your skin, take note of anything you haven’t noticed before. Start with your face and carefully work your way down the length of your body. Try to pay particular attention to the areas that are often exposed to the sun. Look for changes in the character of any abnormality such as the shape or size of a mole or discoloration.
If you like, you can research for medical drawings or photos online to guide you in the different types of skins cancers.
Early detection is the key to successfully treating skin cancer.
In general, people with lighter complexion might be more vulnerable. There are good ways to protect your skin from harmful UV-A’s and UV-B’s. Consider the like of wearing sunscreen, covering exposed skin, and wearing hats. If at all possible, try to stay indoors and keep yourself away from those extremely sunny conditions.
Over time, you would realize that all these little things would add up to give you a better-looking and healthier skin.
Filed under Prevention by on Nov 6th, 2009. Comment.
