Questions and Answers About Skin Cancer

If you or someone you know has or suspects they have skin cancer, here are the facts in plan English.

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin Cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. It is also called Melanoma and occurs when pigment cells (melanocytes) become malignant. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer.

What are the risk factors of getting skin cancer?

There are several indications that would increase a person's chance of getting skin cancer. They are:

· Having a lot of moles, 50 or more can be a risk factor for melanoma.

· Having a large number of moles many of which are often atypical. This condition is called dysplastic nevi and can predispose a person to having skin cancer.

· Having fair skin that burns or freckles easily can be a risk facto for skin cancer. These people also tend to have red or blond hair and blue eyes.

· People who have previously been treated for skin cancer have a high risk of a second occurrence.

· A family history of skin cancer can predispose a person to the disease.

· People who spend extended time in the sun. Too much UV radiation causes premature aging of the skin and skin damage that can lead to melanoma.

What are the symptoms of skin cancer?

The first sign of skin cancer will be a change in the size, shape, color, or feel of an existing mole. You will also notice that is has a black or blue-black area. A tool for discovering skin cancer is a test called the ABCD's.

· A for Asymmetry, while normal moles are symmetric cancerous moles are not.

· B is for Border, which can be ragged, notched, or blurred.

· C is for Color, which will vary from black to tan or even gray white red or pink.

· D is for Diameter, as melanomas are usually larger than the eraser of a pencil.

Is there a cure for skin cancer?

If it is diagnosed before it grows too deeply into the skin, the Melanoma can be eliminated. If it grows too deeply it can affect other parts of the body. They are however, likely to reoccur.

What can I do to prevent skin cancer?

There are several things you can do to prevent skin cancer. They are:

· Checking your body for moles regularly to detect any changes in moles

· Between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, if you need to be outside, wear long sleeves, long pants, and a hat with a wide brim.

· Use UV radiation protection as often as possible through light clothing, windshield and window protection.

· Protect yourself from UV radiation reflected by sand, water, snow, and ice.

· Use of sunscreens and protective sunglasses can protect your skin from developing cancer.