It is important to know certain facts about skin cancer. There are various types of skin cancer and most of them are a result of excessive exposure to sun.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in humans. The term “cancer” itself is the term for an abnormal proliferation of cells causing a tumour. These malfunctioning cells can rapidly divide as well as multiply, and spread to other areas of the body a dangerous and frequently fatal process called “metastasis”. Skin cancer occurs whenever these abnormal cells originate within the layers of the skin tone, and they are named after the sort of skin cell from which arise. In most cases, as long as the cancerous cells remain in the top layers of the skin, the epidermis, the risk of metastasis and spreading of the cancer to other organs remains low. Once the cancer cells grow deeper into the layers of the skin, the skin cancer becomes more life-threatening. Thus, catching cancer early and preventing the growth of the malignant cells deeper into the skin is essential.
Symptoms and Signs:
The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change in the surface of the skin. It is important to have any mole that has changed checked by a dermatologist. The ABCD rule can help guide you when checking your skin.
A = Asymmetry: One side of the mole is different from the other in size, shape, color, or thickness.
B = Border: The edge or border of the mole is not smooth.
C = Color: The color of the mole contains various shades of tan, brown, or black.
D = Diameter: Skin cancer melanomas are usually larger than 6 millimeters in diameter, but they can be smaller.
How To Know You Have Skin Cancer?
In order to prevent skin cancers, it is better to limit sun exposure. Especially, during summer noons, ensure that you stay indoors.
Using sunscreen, sunglasses, wearing the right clothes and avoiding tanning beds are certain preventive measures that help reduce the risk of suffering from skin cancer.
Studies suggest that the risk of suffering from skin cancer is higher to fair-skinned people. So, people who have fair complexion must follow all the preventive measures.
It is better to to be cautious about moles as certain types of moles may increase the risk of cancer. Consulting a skin expert is important in such cases.
As UV rays play an important role in causing skin cancer, it is better to avoid exposure to them. Harsh sun rays and tanning beds are to be avoided.
Certain types of treatments which require radiation can increase the risk and therefore are not recommended to some people. When it comes to gender, men are at a higher risk compared to women and when it comes to the age factor, old people are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer.