The Facts About Skin Cancer

Cancer consists of more than 100 ailments. Each kind of cancer is different to other types in many ways, although all cancers are a disease of some of the cells in the body.

Healthy cells grow, divide and replace themselves on a continual basis. That's how the body's tissue is created, and it's how a healthy body grows, repairs itself and stays in good health. Cancer occurs when some of these cells lose their ability to perform these tasks. The duplication, progress and growth capability of the cells is limited. The cells may divide themselves too rapidly, and may grow without organization. Malignant or benign tumors are formed when the cancerous cells produce too much tissue.

When a tumor will not lead to cancer, it is said to be "benign". These types of cancerous cells will not extend to other parts of the body, and they are not life threatening. Most often, benign tumors can be surgically removed and will not return. Benign tumors are a nuisance, but do not usually pose a threat.

Malignant tumors are those that will lead to cancer. These tumors invade and destroy the neighboring healthy tissues and organs, causing illness in the body. Malignant tumors can spread or "metastasize" to other organs and cause new tumors to grow throughout the body.

Skin cancer comes in two main forms: basal cell carcinoma and Squamous cell carcinoma. A "carcinoma" is a type of cancer that begins in the cells that cover or surround an organ.

Over 90 percent of skin cancers in the United States are Basel cell carcinoma. This category of cancer grows slowly and rarely spreads to other areas, although it is crucial that all types of skin cancers are found and treated as early as possible to prevent them from invading and destroying the nearby tissues.

Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are usually referred to as nonmelanoma skin cancer. Melanoma is another form of skin cancer which begins in the melanocytes.

Skin cancer is presently the most common type of cancer in the United States. It's been estimated that between 40 and 50 percent of Americans who live to be 65 years and older will develop skin cancer at least once. However, it must be noted that any age and nationality can develop skin cancer. Those who are fair skin and freckled with red or blond hair and blue or light colored eyes are the sorts of people who are at most risk of developing the disease.

The ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun is the principal cause for skin cancer. There are two kinds of ultraviolet radiation: UVA and UVB. There are also artificial sources of UV radiation, for instance, sun beds and tanning booths which can also cause skin cancer.

Skin cancer affects a greater number of people living in certain areas of the world. Those who live under the hot Texan sun are particularly at risk. Skin cancer rates are also higher in Australia and South Africa, where people are exposed to excessive amounts of the sun's UV rays every day. Those living in these, and other areas where UV exposure is high, are more likely to develop skin cancer.

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Author Keefe Figgatt is a writer for several great web sites, on health and wellness and health news themes.