10 Facts that Everyone Should Know About Skin Cancer

Skin cancer are abnormal skin cells that have uncontrolled growth. If skin cancer is left untreated the cells can spread to various parts of the body. These are some facts and interesting things you need to know about skin cancer and how to prevent skin cancer.

Facts about Skin Cancer

• 90% of skin cancer is caused by the exposure to sun. UV Rays are responsible for most non-melanoma skin cancers. Without proper protection one is exposed to these rays by natural sunlight and tanning booths. Most people do not realize even sitting in their car or home by a window still exposes them to UV Rays.

• While the risk factors are lower for Asians, Latinos and African Americans, skin cancer is considered more deadly for these races.

• The risk factor for Caucasians is higher, and 1 in 3 Caucasians will be diagnosed at some point in their lives with skin cancer.

• Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. During childhood, if a child gets sunburned to the point of blistering these increases the chances by double for an adult to get melanoma later in their lives.

• Skin cancer is very common on the areas that are commonly exposed to the sun, for instance your face or arms. This does not mean that areas less exposed are safe areas. Due to tanning beds being on the rise and tanning nude is popular it is common to experience skin cancer in uncommon places.

Things you need to know to Prevent or Treat Skin Cancer

• When reading an SPF bottle, the numbers do not mean double the protection. For example SPF 30 is only protects 4 more percent of UV rays then SPF 15. It is recommended that you purchase a broad spectrum sun blocking agent that blocks UV rays A and B. Sun block needs to be applied often. Sun blocks also come in water-resistant forms, if your outdoor activities include water you will want a water-resistant sun block, but you will still need to reapply often.

• According to the National Cancer Institute the cure rate of cancer should be 100 percent. Early detection is the key to curing skin cancer. If you notice changes to your skin coloring, discolorations, mole changes, or any other disturbances to the skin it's important that you notify your health care provider immediately to avoid further complications.

• Wearing protective clothing can help prevent skin cancer. It's important to wear hats, pants, long sleeved shirts if the weather permits it. If your skin is to be exposed to the harmful UV rays you will need to cover them up or at the very least apply sun block.

• The sun's rays are most damaging during their strongest times. If you want to prevent skin cancer you will want to avoid the sun during the hours of 11 am to 3 pm. If you have to be out during these times follow the above methods to prevent UV rays from affecting the body.

• Know the risk factors of skin cancer. Being fair skined or having red or blond hair, you sunburn easily, you have many birthmarks, freckles or moles, have light eyes, work outside, have had serious sunburns, or repeat user of tanning beds.

Source:
The Skin Cancer Foundation
The National Skin Cancer Institute