Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer. It is evaluated that over 1 million new cases occur annually. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Skin cancer generally develops in the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin), so a tumor is usually clearly visible. The two most common types are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. It accounts for more than 75 percent of all skin cancers. Squamous cell carcinomas arise from the upper levels of the epidermis, usually on places that have been exposed to the sun. Squamous cell carcinoma also can spread internally. They account for about 20 percent of skin cancers in the United States.Melanoma is generally the most serious form of skin cancer because it tends to spread (metastasize) throughout the body quickly. They usually form on the head, face, neck, hands and arms. Skin cancer is most closely associated with chronic inflammation of the skin. Sunburn or excessive sun damage, especially early in life. UVA & UVB have both been involved in causing DNA damage resulting in cancer. Chronic non-healing wounds, especially burns. Treatment for skin cancer and the precancerous skin lesions known as actinic keratoses varies, depending on the size, type, depth and location of the lesions. The best ways to lower the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer are to avoid intense sunlight for long periods of time and to practice sun safety. For low-risk disease, radiation therapy and cryotherapy (freezing the cancer off) can provide adequate control of the disease; both, however, have lower overall cure rates than surgery. Interferon and interleukin-2 are under study to treat melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers. Wear sunglasses with 99% to 100% UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding skin. Wearing protective clothing (long sleeves and hats) when outdoors. Photodynamic therapy destroys skin cancer cells with a combination of laser light and drugs that makes cancer cells sensitive to light. Avoid other sources of UV light. Tanning beds and sun lamps are dangerous because they can damage your skin. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Radiation may destroy basal and squamous cell carcinomas if surgery isn't an option. Reapply sun block every 2 hours and after swimming. In chemotherapy, drugs are used to kill cancer cells. Skin Cancer Treatment and Prevention Tips 1. Radiation may destroy basal and squamous cell carcinomas. 2. Reducing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially in early years. 3. Avoiding sun exposure during the day (usually from 10 AM to 3 PM). 4. Wearing protective clothing (long sleeves and hats) when outdoors. 5. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB radiation. 6. Wear sunglasses with 99% to 100% UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes.
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