Skin Cancer Is The Most Commonly Diagnosed Cancer (One In Five Persons In USA)
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Skin cancer is defined as abnormal development of cells of the epidermis. It often develops in areas of the skin that receive greater sun exposure, but it is possible for it to develop in other skin areas too. There are three main varieties of skin cancer – and these are named based on cells they arise from: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), cutaneous malignant melanoma (CM) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
Skin cancer is the most commonly occurring type of malignancy in humans, especially in the white population. It has the highest incidence rate among all cancers in the United States. [1] According to recent estimates, the risk of getting skin cancer among Americans is an astonishing one in five persons during their lifetime, with almost 9,500 people diagnosed daily.
An increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, both natural and artificial has been identified as a primary cause of skin cancer. [2] Intermittent exposure to sunlight during childhood and adolescence is linked to the risk of skin cancer. Even sunburns during childhood and adolescence can contribute to the development of skin cancer later in life. High exposure to tanning beds can also increase the chances of developing skin cancer.
Skin cancer can be avoided by avoiding increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation by wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and using sunscreen. Research has found that the use of sunscreen with an SPF of higher than 15 can reduce skin cancer risk [3] – however some sunscreens may contain toxic ingredients and even the ubiquitous titanium dioxide is now thought to be a possible cancer risk!
Regular self-examination of skin is important in the early skin cancer diagnosis. Early warning signs include any new spots, moles that are itching or bleeding, moles with “odd shapes” or marked colour variations within the mole, change in the size of any lesion on the skin, or a wound or sore that is not healing. Early diagnosis is absolutely critical in providing life-saving treatment of skin cancer.
See also:
How To Recognize Skin Cancer – This Could Save Your Life: https://herbshealthhappiness.com/how-to-recognize-skin-cancer-this-could-save-your-life/
Cinnamon Increases Survival From Melanoma (Skin Cancer) 130% In Vivo: https://herbshealthhappiness.com/this-is-huge-cinnamon-increases-survival-from-melanoma-skin-cancer-130-in-vivo/
7 Worst Sunscreens For Kids: https://herbshealthhappiness.com/most-sunscreens-are-bad-but-these-7-brands-have-been-reported-worst-for-kids/
References:
[1] Guy Jr, G.P., et al., Vital signs: melanoma incidence and mortality trends and projections—United States, 1982–2030. MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report, 2015. 64(21): p. 591. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4584771/
[2] Cokkinides, V., et al., American cancer society: Cancer facts and figures. Atlanta: American Cancer Society, 2005. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/…/cancer-facts-and-figures-2005.pdf
[3] Green, A.C., et al., Reduced melanoma after regular sunscreen use: randomized trial follow-up. Journal of clinical oncology, 2011. 29(3): p. 257-263. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21135266/