Skin Cancer Research

Skin cancer research has a lot to teach us, and it's helping us find out more about this disease every day. Scientists are finding new treatments, ways of preventing skin cancer, and ways of keeping it from coming back. If you've been diagnosed with cancer or are at risk for it, you owe it to yourself to learn about the disease.

This research is responsible for creating new drugs and surgical techniques to help you get healthy again. The research process doesn't stop, either. Every day, people are working to defeat skin cancer. Their research can help make our lives a lot easier.

People in the US are the most likely to benefit from this research.

That's because much of it is done in the United States. That doesn't mean that people outside that country can't use current research on skin cancer to their benefit. Take the time to find out more about the current advances and discuss them with your doctor.

You can even talk to doctors inside the area where the research that interests you most is being done. This can help you learn a lot more about the disease.

Different Types Of Skin Cancers

Skin cancer research tells us that there's more than just one kind of skin cancer. There are several. Each one has its own characteristics, and some of the types of cancer are more dangerous than others. Let's take a look at what we've learned about different skin cancer types.

Basal cell carcinoma

This is the most common type of skin cancer. These tumors are most likely to show up on areas of your skin that are exposed to the sun. The face is the place where most people get this kind of cancer. It almost never spreads through the system and is rarely fatal. This kind of skin cancer is also easy to remove with surgery. Radiation treatment is also sometimes used.

Squamous cell carcinoma

This type of skin cancer is common, but it isn't as common as a basal cell carcinoma. These cancers are more dangerous than a basal cell carcinoma. They are still rarely fatal, though.

The most dangerous kinds of squamous cell carcinoma happen on the ear and lips. This kind of cancer can also be dangerous when it happens to someone who has immune system problems. If you have a suppressed immune system, you should be very careful about skin cancer.

Melanoma

This is the most dangerous kind of skin cancer. It's also the rarest. Many fewer people get this disease than the other two types, but it still appears.

These skin cancers often spread through the body. They can grow quickly and pass into the lower layers of skin. Then they spread through the blood stream and enter other organs of the body. Once this kind of cancer has spread, it can be deadly.

Research tells us that the first two types of skin cancer usually show signs of being caused directly by exposure to UV-B radiation. These cancers are caused or made worse by too much sun without protection. Melanoma are more likely to be caused by UV-A radiation. Some experts believe that certain sunscreen ingredients can increase your chance of getting this kind of skin cancer. Most of these ingredients have fallen out of use.

How to prevent Skin Cancer

The information we get from skin cancer research can tell us more than how to treat skin cancer. It can also teach us how to prevent it. There are a few basic things that you can do to reduce your chances of having this disease. People who have already had skin cancer can take steps to keep it from coming back, too. Here are some good ideas:

Another kind of surgery that's more expensive, but also more effective is Mohs surgery. Anything different could turn out to be a problem. That's why you need to talk about it with your doctor. She can perform a biopsy to determine if the area really is cancerous. Your doctor can also help you get the skin cancer facts and information that you need.

Statistics About Skin Cancer

You may wonder if you're at risk for developing skin cancer. Many new cases occur every year. Fifty thousand people will be diagnosed with malignant melanoma this year in the United States alone. Many others will have less dangerous forms of skin cancer. Some risk factors will increase your chances of getting skin cancer. Here are a few:

1. Avoid the sun

   This doesn't mean you should never go out into the sun. It does mean you should avoid the hottest, brightest part of the day. Wear sunblock when you need to be in the sun and try to expose as little skin as possible.

2. Perform a self exam

   People who are in high risk groups should take the time to examine their skin on a regular basis. This will allow them to identify possible cancerous areas and have them checked by a doctor right away. Early detection is important when it comes to skin cancer.

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