Preventing skin cancer starts with understanding the potential risk factors involved. Everyone can develop skin cancer no matter what type of skin they have, whether they are fair skinned or black. Even if you have a family history of skin problems, your risk for developing them increases your chances. Skin cancer is the second leading cause of death from all cancers. When sun exposure comes along with an injury that has resulted in the development of skin cancers, this is when it gets serious. Many people think that since they exercise regularly that they are safe from skin cancer but the truth is, overexposure to sunlight is just as big a risk factor as not exercising at all.

What Factors Can Aid Prevention?

Exercise plays a major part in skin cancer because of a fundamental rule of preventing skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma. This means that just as people with fair complexions are at a slightly greater risk than people with black skin, people with squamous cell carcinoma are at a greater risk than people with a fair complexion. This disease forms in areas on the body that constantly come into contact with sunlight. Basal cell carcinoma can be both malignant and benign, making treatment difficult. It is more difficult to treat malignant skin cancers because they have a distinct appearance, often starting out as tiny, lumpy masses near the skin’s surface and later growing into large, solid shapes. Squamous cell carcinomas cannot be seen until they are large enough to be felt. There are three types of skin cancer, all of which can be cured or prevented. These types of cancer include basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and skin tags. Basal cell carcinoma begins as a spot that grows normally, but changes colors, turns red, and may sometimes ulcerate. Melanoma is not cancer, but rather an increase in melanin, a kind of pigment in the skin that gives the skin its color. Skin tags, also not cancer, are benign growths of skin attached to the skin and can be very small or large, and anywhere in between. In order to prevent skin cancer, experts have developed a variety of strategies that use different approaches. The first strategy is to get the maximum exposure to the sun’s UV rays. Experts recommend applying sunscreen and wearing hats to protect the skin from sunburn, which causes excessive damage that can lead to malignant skin cancers. Many people, especially those older than fifty years old, should wear a suntan lotion regularly.

Final Points On Prevention And Treatment

Another strategy for preventing skin cancer is to remove the outermost layer of skin, called the epidermis, which protects most of the body from the elements. Newer methods use lasers to kill cancer cells without damaging the skin, which makes it less likely to scar. Laser resurfacing has become one of the most effective ways of removing the skin’s outermost layer, although many people find it expensive and uncomfortable. Doctors sometimes inject the skin with collagen, a kind of protein, to help make it more youthful. Finally, experts have found that preventing skin cancer is possible through changes in diet. A diet that is rich in antioxidants (vitamin E) and low in animal fats is good for the skin, as is avoiding certain kinds of coffee and tobacco, which are all known skin irritants. Other foods and drinks can also help, including those containing beta carotene (found in carrots), lycopene (found in cantaloupe and tomatoes) and other fat-free or low-fat ingredients. Some of these foods can actually increase the body’s production of melanin, which can help protect the skin from damage. This research has led to a new way of preventing skin cancer – avoiding what might cause it.