How serious is skin cancer really
While most people underestimate the danger and the seriousness of skin cancer, the most serious forms of skin cancer can be fatal.
There are several types of skin cancer: melanoma, basal cell, and squamous cell.
Melanoma is the most serious and the most deadly form of cancer, though it is not the most
common form of cancer. It can be almost 100 percent curable if it is caught in the early stages of the cancer. However, if the melanoma is not caught in time, it can spread to other parts of the body. Once the cancer has spread-or metastasized-it is much, much more difficult to treat and to cure, and is often times fatal. According to estimates made by the American Cancer Society, in 2007 8,110 people will die of melanoma skin cancer: 5,220 men will die of melanoma, and 2,800 women will die of it in the United States. Further, the American Cancer Society estimates that in 2007 almost 60,000 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed. Of these 60,000 new cases, almost 40,000 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in men, and about 26,000 will be diagnosed in women.
|
|
What is melanoma?
So what is melanoma, exactly? Melanoma is a malignant tumor, which means that certain cells in the body stop operating the way that they are supposed to. These cells do not die when they are supposed to, and they constantly divide and reproduce, taking over parts of the body. Melanoma is a malignant tumor that begins in melanocytes. Melanocytes are the special cells that produce what is called melanin. Melanin is a special pigment that gives color to your eyes, your hair, and your skin. The majority of melanomas on the skin have the color of either black or brown. However, melanomas can appear with different coloration, including the color of your skin, blue, white, purple, pink, or red.
Who is at risk for melanoma?
Many people make the mistake of assuming that, for whatever reason, they are not in danger or do not have any risk of contracting melanoma. However, everyone has the risk of contracting melanoma, even if you believe that you take adequate precautions when you go out in the sun. While everyone is at risk for contracting melanoma, certain people are at a higher risk for developing melanoma due to several high risk factors. These high risk factors include:
- heightened exposure to the sun
- the number of moles that are on the skin
- particular skin types
- family history
Heightened exposure to the sun
The rays of the sun are of two types: UVA rays and UVB rays. Both of these rays are harmful and can damage the skin. Both of these rays can cause skin cancer, such as melanoma. You increase your risk every time you have a sun burn that blisters; if you have these types of sun burns as a young child, then your risk is even greater. If you live in an area that receives a large amount of sunlight, then you are at an even higher risk. Do not go tanning, because those UV rays will also increase your risk of skin cancer.
Moles
Moles come in two different types. There are normal moles-"beauty marks"-that are small and brown, and that almost everyone has. Then there are atypical moles that are called dysplastic nevi. However, no matter what type of moles they are, the more moles that you have, the more risk you have for skin cancer.
Skin type
If you have fair skin, then you are at greater risk for developing any type of skin cancer, such as melanoma.
Family history
Every one out of ten people who are diagnosed with melanoma has a family member who also has had melanoma.
