Improper skin care is a leading cause of cancer and is probably the most common one as well.More than 65,000 people in the UK are diagnosed each year with non-melanoma skin cancer. In addition, it has been found that the majority (63%) of Brits don't know how to self-check for skin cancer and a further 42% do not check their moles for changes or monitor their bodies regularly for cancerous signs.
Types of Skin Cancer
There are three main types of cancer; basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. The difference between these three types of cancer comes from how the cells develop, as well as how they move throughout the body. For instance, basal cell carcinoma forms under the first layer of skin and does not move to other parts of the body. The difference between this and squamous cell carcinoma is on the types of cells affected. Melanoma is different then these, and typically causes the cells to spread rapidly, becoming a danger not only to the skin, but also to other parts of the body.
What Causes Skin Cancer
With all three types of skin cancer, you want to make sure you look for signs that relate to the problem. For instance, if you are in the sun for longer periods of time, then it could cause a reaction from your skin that eventually leads to cancer. Having extra UV radiation is known to affect the DNA from forming correctly. Other environmental factors also contribute to this, specifically linked to the care of the skin. If you have others in your family that have skin cancer, then you also want to be cautious as the chance is higher for you to get skin cancer.
Preventing Skin Cancer
The positive outlook to cancer is that the first two types are not severe and do not cause as much harm to the body. The third type, melanoma, while more harmful, is treated easily. Because it is under the epidermis, or first layer of skin, it can be stopped if it is caught in it's first stages. Surgery can be done on the areas where the cells have spread, which stops them from continuing to produce. If the cancer; however, moves too deeply into the skin or goes into other areas of the body, then it can't be treated.
With these basics of skin cancer, you can make sure that you take the best care of what your body needs. The specific traits of skin cancer, if caught early enough, prevents complications from occurring and allows you to continue to live with healthy skin. |
