Approximately 90% of all skin cancers are believed to come from exposure to the sun’s ultra-violet rays. These are the invisible rays and are part of the many forms of solar radiation.
Ultra-violet ray spectrum covers a range from about 4 to 380 nanometers (nm). A nanometer is one billionth of a meter. The whole spectrum is made up of three sections: UVC rays from about 100 to 280nm, UVB rays from about 280 to 320nm, and UVA from about 320 to 400nm.
Only UVB and UVA reach the earth’s surface and are therefore the ones that have a strong bearing to our overall skin health.
UVB has longed been regarded as the tanning ray and is the strongest in the summer months. In moderation, these rays help to induce tanning. As a result, the skin is protected from too much exposure to the sun by thickening the epidermis (outer layer of skin). However, more often than not, people are suffering from sunburn because of prolonged exposure to these rays.
UVA was regarded in the 80’s as the safe ray. As a result, the use of UVA was widely promoted in tanning beds and tanning salons. We now understand that UVA is not better off than UVB. Indeed these rays can penetrate the skin more deeply, causing skin wrinkling and leathering. They can result in more permanent damages to the skin cells called keratinocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis, inevitably enhancing the chance of such damaged cells to becoming cancerous.
In order than we can effectively protect our body from UVA and UVB damages, using sunscreen products with a SPF of at least 15+ is highly recommended.
Filed under Prevention by on Dec 2nd, 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.
Getting to know the signs of skin cancer and what it could look like would definitely help to identify any potential dangers early. If there is anything unusual showing up on your skin, it is always a good idea to clear the matter with the doctor. Prevention is better than cure.
As it is generally known, the sign of skin cancer can be revealed in terms of the five alphabets, ABCDE, as follows.
Think of the letter “A” for asymmetry. Non-cancerous growths are generally symmetrical. Hence, what you are typically looking for in a cancerous growth is for the shape to be erratic and not symmetrical. If the growth appears quickly as well, it would surely be a matter of greater concern.
As for the letter “B”, we refer it as the border of growth. Sometimes, the border of skin cancer might not be distinguished easily. It is a good practice to regularly look out for any such growth on the skin and make comparisons.
The letter “C” stands for color. Here, we focus on the color of any new growth on the skin. We would watch out for any red, brown, black, blue, or translucent growths. This is very important.
The letter “D” is about diameter. We are concerned about the size of the growth. If the growth appearing on your skin is greater than a quarter of an inch (or roughly 5.5mm) in diameter, you should have it examined by your doctor. Sizable growth can be a worry. It stands a higher chance of becoming cancerous.
The letter “E” stands for the elevation. Growth with elevated or uneven edges can be a sign of skin cancer.
Remember these five signs as they are very effective measures to expose potential cancerous growths. Apply them, keep a watchful eye on the condition of your skin, and you would likely stay yourself out of trouble. In the fight against skin cancer, you are your own best defense.
When in doubt, it would always pay to check out with the doctor and have tests done as soon as possible.
Filed under Symptoms by on Oct 29th, 2009. Comment.
Skin cancer is amongst the most common forms of cancer found these days. It is also highly preventable and very curable if it is caught early enough.
There are three different types of skin cancers that can be found on your skin.
The first form of skin cancer to emerge is squamous cell carcinoma. These neoplasms typically develop in areas which have been exposed to too much sun, more often than not the face and the ears. A lump or a swelling is often the first manifestation of squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. If left untreated, it ulcerates into an unhealing open sore which continues to grow in size. In the later stages it can also spread to other parts of the body.
Basal cell carcinoma is another one of the types of skin cancers. These are generally found on the face, hands and neck and are as many as seventy five percent of all skin cancers that are diagnosed. Basal cell carcinoma is very treatable and can be cured quite easily if it is found early enough. The symptoms of basal cell carcinoma are a sore that bleeds and is irritated. It may also resemble a fresh scar.
The third type of skin cancer is the most dangerous of all of them. It is melanoma and it can be found on any area of the body. It is usually found on the arms and legs in the beginning. It will look like a mole or freckle that has recently appeared on the skin. It can also be from an existing mole that has recently changed its size, shape or color. The border of the melanoma will be indistinguishable and it may have more than one color.
It is imperative that the melanoma type of skin cancer be found and eradicated early to prevent the problems that will come with the later stages of this skin cancer.
There are many steps you can take to prevent skin cancer. Most importantly, try protect your skin from the sun whenever you are outside. It is a good idea to always wear sunscreen no matter what time of year it is. Have enough clothing to keep the skin from over-exposure to the sun. Have a hat handy to keep your face and head in shade.
In a nutshell, if you can keep an eye on your skin and be mindful of early symptoms of cancer development, you would likely keep yourself out of trouble.
As always, your best chance is from prevention and awareness.
Filed under Skin Marks, Symptoms, melanoma, skin cancer diagnosis, types of skin cancer by on Sep 19th, 2009. Comment.
