What Is Skin Cancer: Facts and Information

What is skin cancer? Read here all the facts you need such as the different types of skin cancers, the first signs to be aware of and the known causes of abnormal and malignant skin growths. According to facts, tumors that grow on the skin are one of the leading types.

It is now the most common type of malignancy in the United States. More new cases are diagnosed compared to combined number of cancers of breast, prostate, lung and colon. According to facts, more than a million cases are being diagnosed world wide every year.

The Different Types

There are 2 major types: the Non-Melanomas and the Melanoma. The Melanoma is the most dangerous while the Non-Melanomas are the most common.

The 2 most common non-melanoma skin cancers are Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Between the two, the most common is Basal Cell Carcinoma.

Based on facts, squamous cell carcinoma is more aggressive than Basal cell but is milder than Melanoma.

The Causes

The number one cause is over-exposure to UVA and UVB rays of the sun. Knowing the causes is a step to learning what is skin cancer.

Being fair is also a risk factor because fair skin burns more quickly. Abuse of glutathione to make skin fairer can also lead to tumor growth. A certain tumor that grows under the skin known as Kaposi's Sarcoma is linked to infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

The Signs and Symptoms

There are general signs which include slow-healing sores and blisters that worsen. But there are also specific first signs depending on the type.

Changes and unusual number of moles are also the indications of melanoma. Having more than 100 moles puts you at a higher risk for melanoma.

Its Prevention

The best prevention step is avoiding the sun especially during its peak hours.

If you can’t stay away from the sun, the next best step on prevention is applying a good and effective body and facial sun block lotion. Aim for one with at least SPF 15 for normal activities. Choose a chemical-free sunscreen as much as possible because it doesn't make sense to protect yourself from skin tumor but be vulnerable to another type.

Related Information: How Does Sunscreen Work: Best Sunblock Ingredients

For outdoor sports activities such as kayaking, make sure to apply sunblock lotion with at least SPF 45 and to wear SPF or sun protection clothing for added protection.

It is extremely important that you practice sun protection habits because according to facts by SunSmart, more than a thousand Australians undergo treatment for the disease everyday and more than 1,600 Australians die because of it every year.

Related Pages You Might Like:

Squamous Cell Skin Cancer | How to Prevent Skin Cancer | Signs of Melanoma | What Causes Skin Cancer | Different Types of Skin Cancers | Basal Cell, Squamous Cell and Malignant Melanoma Cancers | Signs of Skin Cancer

What is Skin Cancer

Cancer Prevention Home > Skin Tumor Facts

Images Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photo