Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer. It is estimated that over 1 million new cases occur annually. The annual rates of all forms of skin cancer are increasing each year, representing a growing public concern. It has also been estimated that nearly half of all Americans who live to age 65 will develop skin cancer at least once.
Introduction :Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer. It is estimated that over 1 million new cases occur annually. The annual rates of all forms of skin cancer are increasing each year, representing a growing public concern. It has also been estimated that nearly half of all Americans who live to age 65 will develop skin cancer at least once.
Skin cancer — the abnormal growth of skin cells — most often develops on skin exposed to the sun. But this common form of cancer can also occur on areas of the skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight.
There are three major types of skin cancer — basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal cell carcinomas and most squamous cell carcinomas are slow growing and highly treatable, especially if found early.
What are the causes of skin cancer?\
If exposure to sunlight continues for several years, the damaged skin has an increased chance of developing one of the forms of skin cancer. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation increases the risk of developing these cancers (although it may not be the only cause of the disease). While the exact relationship is not 100% defined, it appears that intermittent (occasional) exposure and exposure during childhood and adolescence are likely important predictors for basal cell carcinoma, and cutaneous malignant melanoma.
Exposure To Carcinogenic Factors
A) Ultraviolet light - Basal cell cancers are more related to intermittent sun exposure and sunburns especially in childhood and adolescence.
B) Ionizing radiation such as radiotherapy may also increase of skin cancers.
C) Chemicals such as arsenic increase the risk of skin cancers. Exposure is usually chronic and at low concentrations.
Genetic Syndromes
There are a number of genetic syndromes which increase the risk of skin cancers. These include xeroderma pigmentosa which is a defect in DNA repair. This condition is associated with sun sensitivity, extensive freckling and the risk of non-melanoma skin cancers is almost 5,000 times that of the normal population.
Basal cell carcinomas are increased in the nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome as well as Gorlin's syndrome.
Xeroderma pigmentosum: This very rare hereditary disease makes it difficult for the skin to repair DNA damage from UV light. Xeroderma pigmentosum patients typically suffer many skin cancers, which may begin in childhood.
Basal cell nevus syndrome: People born with this rare condition develop multiple basal cell carcinomas and other health problems.
Reduced immunity: People whose immune system is diminished because of HIV infection, drugs that prevent rejection of donor organs or chemotherapy are at increased risk for non-melanoma skin cancer.
UVB is what makes the sun burn the skin and is the main cause of non melanoma skin cancer.
Fake tanning products contain synthetic or vegetable dyes that temporarily paint the skin brown. These bind to the skin and come off when dead skin cells flake off. Fake tanning products do not provide adequate sun protection. Some brands include a sunscreen, which will provide only short-term protection for two hours from the time of application.
occupational exposure to coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic compounds, or radium.
elevation - ultraviolet light is stronger as elevation increases (because the thinner atmosphere at higher altitudes cannot filter UV as effectively as it does at sea level).
Introduction :Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer. It is estimated that over 1 million new cases occur annually. The annual rates of all forms of skin cancer are increasing each year, representing a growing public concern. It has also been estimated that nearly half of all Americans who live to age 65 will develop skin cancer at least once.
Skin cancer — the abnormal growth of skin cells — most often develops on skin exposed to the sun. But this common form of cancer can also occur on areas of the skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight.
There are three major types of skin cancer — basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal cell carcinomas and most squamous cell carcinomas are slow growing and highly treatable, especially if found early.
What are the causes of skin cancer?\
If exposure to sunlight continues for several years, the damaged skin has an increased chance of developing one of the forms of skin cancer. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation increases the risk of developing these cancers (although it may not be the only cause of the disease). While the exact relationship is not 100% defined, it appears that intermittent (occasional) exposure and exposure during childhood and adolescence are likely important predictors for basal cell carcinoma, and cutaneous malignant melanoma.
Exposure To Carcinogenic Factors
A) Ultraviolet light - Basal cell cancers are more related to intermittent sun exposure and sunburns especially in childhood and adolescence.
B) Ionizing radiation such as radiotherapy may also increase of skin cancers.
C) Chemicals such as arsenic increase the risk of skin cancers. Exposure is usually chronic and at low concentrations.
Genetic Syndromes
There are a number of genetic syndromes which increase the risk of skin cancers. These include xeroderma pigmentosa which is a defect in DNA repair. This condition is associated with sun sensitivity, extensive freckling and the risk of non-melanoma skin cancers is almost 5,000 times that of the normal population.
Basal cell carcinomas are increased in the nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome as well as Gorlin's syndrome.
Xeroderma pigmentosum: This very rare hereditary disease makes it difficult for the skin to repair DNA damage from UV light. Xeroderma pigmentosum patients typically suffer many skin cancers, which may begin in childhood.
Basal cell nevus syndrome: People born with this rare condition develop multiple basal cell carcinomas and other health problems.
Reduced immunity: People whose immune system is diminished because of HIV infection, drugs that prevent rejection of donor organs or chemotherapy are at increased risk for non-melanoma skin cancer.
UVB is what makes the sun burn the skin and is the main cause of non melanoma skin cancer.
Fake tanning products contain synthetic or vegetable dyes that temporarily paint the skin brown. These bind to the skin and come off when dead skin cells flake off. Fake tanning products do not provide adequate sun protection. Some brands include a sunscreen, which will provide only short-term protection for two hours from the time of application.
occupational exposure to coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic compounds, or radium.
elevation - ultraviolet light is stronger as elevation increases (because the thinner atmosphere at higher altitudes cannot filter UV as effectively as it does at sea level).
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