Keep the Risks of Skin Cancer Down
How to Prevent the Recurrence of Skin Cancer
One of the most frustrating aspects of suffering of skin cancer is that once you’ve been diagnosed and successfully treated, chances are that you will remain at an elevated risk of contracting skin cancer throughout your life. At its root, skin cancer is caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Skin cancer, however, can also be caused by an artificial source such as tanning booths, sunlamps, and other artificial sun machines.
Who is most likely to suffer from skin cancer in the first place? The truth is that almost anyone can suffer from skin cancer. Every year there is an increase in the instance of skin cancer cases reported in the United States. Most health professionals speculate that this increase is associated with our increase in outdoor recreational activities, and the pursuit of the perfect tan. Some scientists also believe that the increase in reported cases of skin cancer can be attributed to the thinning of the atmosphere due to global warning. Whatever the case, the fact is that skin cancer is here and it poses a threat to a growing segment of the population.
Even though we are all at risk of developing some kind of skin cancer, some of us are at greater risk than others. If you take part in certain activities or have certain physical characteristics, you may be at greater risk for skin cancer. Individuals with light, fair skin are more at risk than people with darker complexions. If you tend to burn or freckle easily, you may be at higher risk. If you have sensitive skin, and have hair and eyes that are light-colored, you may be at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Also, if you have several moles, freckles, or notice any change or discoloration in your skin markings, you should take extra precaution in the sun. Other variables that affect your skin cancer risk quotient include the amount of time you spend outdoors during the day, and what type of altitude you live in. If you live in a higher altitude, and reside close to the equator, you have a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Also, if a history of skin cancer runs in your family, you may also have a higher skin cancer risk quotient.
If you someday become diagnosed with skin cancer and survive, one of the most worrisome issues you will face will be preventing a recurrence of the cancer. After successful treatment, your doctor will continue to schedule regular follow-up appointments to ensure that you remain skin cancer-free. Even regular medical attention is no substitute for exercising good skin care habits. First, make sure to avoid any kind of prolonged exposure to the sun. This means that you should avoid the prime daylight hours of ten in the morning to two in the afternoon. If you must be out, always wear an appropriate sun block, and avoid direct exposure to the sun by wearing long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and light colors that help reflect the sun away from your body. Most importantly, to prevent a recurrence of skin cancer, you must conduct regular self-examinations, and consult your doctor immediately if you note any discolorations or suspicious moles or lesions.
Kaposi ’s sarcoma Not What You Think
When you first hear the name Kaposi’s sarcoma many of you will think of that scene in the movie Philadelphia when the young lawyer played by Tom Hanks is asked what he has on his face. He replies he has AIDS. Most people assume that Kaposi’s sarcoma is a disease of AIDS. That is only half right the other half is the more important part.
Dr. Moritz Kaposi originally wrote about this cancer in 1872; it was, obviously, named after its discoverer. The original thinking was that it was a disease of older European men of Jewish or Italian background or young African men. Eventually they added patients who had had organ transplants to that list. Originally very few women suffered this disease. The ratio was fifteen older men for every one woman. Around the time that AIDS was becoming known the ratio changed and it was four men diagnosed for every one woman. Researchers are unsure of the reason for this change.
Once HIV became a known entity, over twenty years ago, that became the source of most of the current cases of Kaposi’s sarcoma. With better treatments for HIV and AIDS the incidences of this sarcoma have dropped in the last five years by over eighty percent. This is a big step in the right direction!
Kaposi’s sarcoma itself is not life threatening. The lesions, or sores, that develop because of it are sometimes painful, sometimes disfiguring, and can cause swelling depending on where they are located. They usually occur in the mouth, nose, anus or genital areas. Or can develop in the skin surrounding the eyes or on the legs. The lesions resemble large blemishes. They can be red, purple or brownish in color. But their size or color is not the issue nor is the pain they may cause. The scary part of Kaposi’s sarcoma is that it spread to the organs, particularly to the lungs, gastrointestinal tract and liver. This is when it becomes a serious life threatening disease. If it spreads to the lungs it can cause difficulty breathing. If it gets into the gastrointestinal tract it can cause serious bleeding.
Kaposi’s sarcoma is divided into three sub-groups; African KS, Transplant-Related KS and AIDS-Related KS. Each one has a slightly different set of issues to deal with. The African type was discovered in Equatorial Africa. It starts earlier than the others, but usually doesn’t spread into the body’s organs. But it has another form that strikes young children, before they hit puberty; developing in girls one third as frequently as the boys. This one is a killer usually within three years. Transplant-Related is one hundred and fifty times more likely to develop in transplant patients because of the immune suppression drugs they must take. But, it’s more likely to only affect the skin. Lastly, is the AIDS-Related type and. this one can be the worst. But recently new improved treatments have been developed to greatly reduce the incidences of this disease in AIDS sufferers.
Keep the Risks of Skin Cancer Down
It is better to take precautions and try to lower the risks of skin cancer then to have to deal with the treatments and worries should you discover that you have contracted skin cancer. There are no guarantees, of course, but taking some simple steps will go a long way to improving your chances of avoiding this all to common form of cancer
Try to avoid being in the direct sun during its peak hours which are between eleven and three o’clock. This is when the suns rays are at their strongest. If you have to be outside for any length of time during these peak hours be sure to wear a hat. Cover what you comfortably can and use sunscreen on the rest. Your sunscreen should have a SPF, sun protection factor, rating of a minimum of fifteen. There are many who believe that thirty is a safer minimum. Although sunscreen is really good to use never assume that it can protect you one hundred percent. It is still important to be smart about your exposure to the sun.
For example, you should never assume that because it is a cloudy dull day that the sun’s rays are gone. You may not be able to see the sun but it is still shining behind the clouds and that means that the ultraviolet light is still coming through. At least sixty percent of it is getting through, maybe more. Equally you should not assume that when swimming the water protects you from the sun’s rays. Unless you are submerged at least a foot under the water the suns ray are still reaching you.
Avoid tanning salons completely. They are not your friends. The use of tanning beds, tanning booths or tanning lamps may give you that healthy glow but they will also give you excessive exposure to ultraviolet light. Studies have proven that a tanning session of fifteen to thirty minutes is equivalent to a full days exposure to the sun outside. That is not a good thing to do to your body. Tanning lotions, creams and supplements do not increase your risk of skin cancer. But, so far researchers have come out against their use sighting other potential dangers. Having a tan is not worth these added health risks.
Although women seem to work harder on their tans, men are more likely to play outdoor sports. Both are just as likely to work in the garden, mow the lawn or work on exterior house maintenance. These are all outdoor activities that require you to cover up. Parents must take care to make sure that their children are also protected. Their skin is much more delicate. Several bad sunburns as a child puts them more at risk for skin cancer as adults.
Learn self-examination techniques. Do this every couple of months as this way if something appears wrong, or wasn’t there in your last self-examination, you will have found it early and go to see your health care provider immediately.
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