Understanding Cancers of the Skin

Not all cancers are the same. Some are deadly from diagnosis, but others are not. Skin cancer is preventable and treatable, but many people fail to take the steps to avoid it.

When sitting in a doctor’s office, one always tends to get the feeling any news will be bad news. Imagine sitting there and having your doctor tell you that you have cancer.

Can you imagine sitting there after being told you have cancer. All those problems in your life might seem a bit trivial. In fact, you might feel a bit idiotic considering you could have prevented skin cancer.

Cancer and death, the two words just go together notwithstanding the experiences of Lance Armstrong. Skin cancer is often treatable. More importantly, you could have prevented it.

So, just what are we talking about when we say skin cancer? In the most basic terms, it is an unnatural growth in the layers of the skin. The growth typically occurs in the epidermis.

As you can probably guess, skin cancer is caused by sun exposure. The exposure can be for short periods that result in burns, but they can also be for exposure over long periods of time. Having a good tan has not been shown to make a difference.

Cancerous skin growth is actually a catch all phrase. This particular cancer breaks down into three different types with each having its own outcome.

When it comes to this type of cancer, there is serious and less serious diagnosis. Malignant melanoma is the worst. It is fatal if not treated early, but is the rarest form diagnosed.

Basal cell skin cancer, on the other hand, is the most frequently seen skin cancer. It is rarely fatal. Oddly, it can also be hereditary. If you family has a history of it, get checked out.

Our final sub-category of skin cancer is Squamous cell. It falls somewhere between the previous two. It is diagnosed less than basal, but more than melanoma. It can even have a hereditary element. If treated early, it is curable. If not, it can be fatal.

Getting cancer is a horrific thing, particular since there is often little you can do to prevent it. Skin cancer is a different story. If you take basic steps, you can prevent it.

Love to be outside? Is your idea of a good time to go for walks, lay out in the sun or maybe just poke around in the garden? Well, you are increasing your risk of getting skin cancer.

Should you avoid being outside. Nope. All you have to do is take precautionary steps. First and foremost, wear sunscreen! How hard is that? It will protect you from the damaging rays of the sun and the potential of skin cancer.

Article Source: http://www.articles.ask-me-about.com

John Grimme is with AllTerrainco.com - makers of natural products for the outdoors.
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