By: Joy Tando
One in every five Americans will develop skin cancer sometime in their lifetime. While this might seem extreme, there are many ways to go about averting this disease. With hundreds of skincare products advertised to keep us youthful and protected, the skincare industry is worth 134.5 billion dollars today. Considering how easy it is to reduce the likelihood of receiving this cancer, why aren’t we pursuing it?
The basis of skin cancer is the unregulated growth of skin cells. However, there are four different kinds of skin cancer: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, Merkel cell cancer, and Squamous cell carcinoma. Ranging from the most deadly, melanoma, to the least, basal cell carcinoma, each has its own unique consequences.
Melanoma occurs in cells known as melanocytes. It is visually represented as cells with an increased amount of pigment that changes or enlarges a mole. This can take place anywhere in the body and treatment consists of surgery, radiation, medication, or to extremes, chemotherapy. Although it may not seem deadly on the outside, melanoma spreads rapidly to other organs if not treated early.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. Around 80% of patients with skin cancer have this type formed from the specific basal cell carcinoma. Basal cells create new skin cells once the old ones die. Due to overexposure from the sun, they gradually spread around the body over time. Treatments include prescription creams or surgery to physically remove the infected area.
Merkel cell cancer is rarer compared to the other forms of skin cancer. Merkel cells are hormone-related cells underneath skin and hair follicles. It’s characterized by red inflamed areas of the skin and is more common in older people. Likewise to melanoma, Merkel cell cancer also has the tendency to spread quickly to other parts of the body. Overexposure and weak immune systems contribute to the development of this form of cancer. Treatment involves radiation therapy and immunotherapy.
Squamous cell carcinoma is caused by squamous cells are that make up the epidermis and is categorized as the second most common form of skin cancer. It is mainly caused by again, overexposure to the sun and occurs throughout different regions of the skin. Although it isn’t life-threatening, it can spread over large parts of the body causing consequential symptoms. Most patients with this form of skin cancer undergo Mohs surgery as the highest rate to cure squamous cell cancer.
Skin cancer can be deadly, and most people don’t realize it’s happening until it’s too late. To prevent this, it is wise to avoiding tanning, especially UV tanning beds, use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, wear sunglasses more often, and covering up with clothing that will definitely benefit your skin in the long run. Remember, you can have fun in life while also taking care of your body!
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