Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer among Americans and if more individuals used proper skin cancer prevention, perhaps this statistic would change. Older generations who developed skin cancer did not have the knowledge today’s society has available to them. Yet despite the statistics released from leading medical research, both men and women are still spending copious amounts of time in the sun or in tanning beds without using proper protection.

Skin cancer comes in two forms, melanomas and non-melanomas. Melanomas usually account for only four percent of diagnosed skin cancers, but they are considered to be the most deadly. Melanomas occur in the epidermis, the skin’s outer layer, usually appearing as a dark mole with uneven edges. If detected early through skin cancer prevention, melanomas can be eliminated without causing harm. If ignored, these cancers can break away and spread to other parts of the body. Non-melanomas, on the other hand, are comprised of two different cell types, basal cells and squamous cells. Both of these cells are caused from sun exposure, but basal cells form in the lower epidermis while squamous cells form in the upper epidermis.

For many individuals, avoiding the use of tanning beds is a necessary step to take when it comes to skin cancer prevention. The Food and Drug Administration explains that tanning beds are not safer than going out in the sun just because they emit only UVA rays. UVA rays have been linked to skin cancer and immune deficiencies. If you don’t use tanning beds on a regular basis, but enjoy lying in the sun by a pool or on a beach, you should use protective methods. This is especially the case if you are more susceptible to the risks of skin cancer. People with red or blonde hair and fair skin are automatically at a greater risk for skin cancer. Having freckles or skin that burns easily can also put you in harms way for skin cancer. Understanding your family history and knowing how high your risks are before stepping out into the sun is a crucial first step in preventing any kind of skin cancer.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 29th, 2007 at 8:14 pm and is filed under Health & Beauty. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.