Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States, and countries worldwide. In America alone, more than 3.5 million people are affected by the disease.
Although this is a disease that has visible symptoms, many of them are not quickly noticed. A tiny spot on the skin or a rash that persists may be considered minor and remedied with creams or lotions.
People fail to have what they believe to be minor skin problems to their physician until it changes in size, colour, or texture. It is important to pay close attention to any changes in the skin and have it checked out by your doctor.
Risk factors for skin cancer
Skin cancer is typically caused by overexposure to ultraviolet rays either from too much sun or exposure to the lights in tanning beds. Tanning by natural sunlight can cause sunburn which will become a risk factor over time. Children who have had episodes of sunburn will be more at risk for skin cancer as they grow older.
Wearing protective clothing or sunscreen when outdoors in direct sunlight will greatly reduce some of the risk factors for skin cancer. In general, the risk factor increases with age due to an accumulation of ultra violet rays. Skin cancer risks can also be increased by conditions that may cause a weakening of the immune system. This could include diseases, viruses, and immune suppression therapy such as that associated with organ transplants.
Treatments
Skin cancer is a worldwide disease especially for residents of Australia. The experts who specialize in skin cancer diagnosis and treatments will provide skin cancer checks that take as little as fifteen minutes to complete, and it is a non-invasive process. Once the diagnosis has been made, treatment can be simple like having a biopsy or cryotherapy and is usually performed at the doctor’s office during the same session.
If it is determined that a more complex treatment is needed, the doctor will schedule a surgical appointment. Skin cancer can have the appearance of mould or other growth on the skin that can easily be removed. Sometimes, cancer can spread to other organs of the body if left untreated which could necessitate chemotherapy or radiation therapy. If you suspect cancer and live in Australia, visit website of Sun Doctors Skin Cancer Clinic.
Prevention
It is very hard to resist the bright sunshine, and not want to get outdoors and enjoy some recreational activities. What is important is that the body is protected against the ultraviolet rays that are more prominent now due to some depletion in the ozone layer. Wearing sunscreen is a major factor in preventing skin cancer especially for those who work outside. As stated earlier, wearing protective clothing is also essential to ensure prevention.
Lying out in the sun for tanning should be limited, and children should also be limited to the amount of time they spend playing out in the sun. Have all changes to the skin examined by a doctor even if they look minor to you. Skin cancer is not restricted to any one particular area of the body.
It can, and does, appear all over even in the most unlikely places. Do not be ashamed to get fully undressed at the dermatologist’s office. It may be in a clothed area that the disease will occur. Take all necessary precautions, and learn as much as possible about cancer. The more you know, the safer you will be.
