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.
You wake up one morning and your shoulder is sore and there is a drop of blood on your pillow. You look in the mirror and see a blemish oozing. The diagnosis is skin cancer.
What are your first thoughts? Am I going to die? Is it terminal? Can something that small really be a problem? Just what are we talking about here?
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.
If you like to go out in the sun, you are probably already aware of the risks. That being said, it is important to understand that a good tan does not lower your risk. Also, short periods of exposure can be just as deadly if you burn.
As with the term ?cancer?, there are actually subcategories of skin cancer. Some are bad and some not so much.
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 carcinoma is by far the most common form of skin cancer people are diagnosed with. Happily, it is treatable. Only a very small percentage of cases result in fatality.
A third category of cancer is Squamous cell. It is can form on your skin or in your internal organs. How scary is that? Squamous is treatable, but can also spread and be fatal.
Any cancer diagnosis is obviously a bad thing. The ironic and sad fact of skin cancer is you can reduce your risk to practically zero. You just need to take common sense steps.
Picture a warm, sunny day. What are people doing? They are lying out in the sun. They are going on walks. They are doing some landscaping. All of these things put them at risk for skin cancer.
Am I suggesting you stay inside all the time? Of course, not. Just wear sun block to protect your fragile skin. If you are balding, throw a hat on. Nothing is worse than skin cancer on the noggin.
John Grimme is with AllTerrainco.com - makers of natural products for the outdoors.
Click here to get your own unique version of this article.
About the Author
Rating: Not yet rated