The mere mention of the word cancer is enough to make anyone hyperventilate. There are, of course, different types of cancer. In this article, we take a look at skin cancer.

When sitting in a doctor’s office, one always tends to get the feeling any news will be bad news. Imagine sitting there and having your doctor tell you that you have cancer.

What would your reaction be to such news. Panic? Shock? What would it mean to your life, your family, your friends if you found out you had cancer. What if it is terminal?

Cancer and death, the two words just go together notwithstanding the experiences of Lance Armstrong. Skin cancer is often treatable. More importantly, you could have prevented it.

So, just what are we talking about when we say skin cancer? In the most basic terms, it is an unnatural growth in the layers of the skin. The growth typically occurs in the epidermis.

Skin cancer is often associated with, surprise, exposure to the sun. Repeated sun burns can be one cause. So can extensive exposure over time. Our atmosphere is letting in more ultraviolet radiation as well, which is increasing the number of cases.

Cancerous skin growth is actually a catch all phrase. This particular cancer breaks down into three different types with each having its own outcome.

If you are particularly unlucky, you will be diagnosed with Malignant melanoma. It is a killer. If not treated early, it will spread and is fatal. Fortunately, it is the least common diagnosis.

Strange as it may sound, the second sub-cancer can be hereditary. It is basal cell. It is also the most frequently diagnosed skin cancer. The good news is it is rarely fatal and can be treated.

A third category of cancer is Squamous cell. It is can form on your skin or in your internal organs. How scary is that? Squamous is treatable, but can also spread and be fatal.

Any cancer diagnosis is obviously a bad thing. The ironic and sad fact of skin cancer is you can reduce your risk to practically zero. You just need to take common sense steps.

Picture a warm, sunny day. What are people doing? They are lying out in the sun. They are going on walks. They are doing some landscaping. All of these things put them at risk for skin cancer.

Am I suggesting you stay inside all the time? Of course, not. Just wear sun block to protect your fragile skin. If you are balding, throw a hat on. Nothing is worse than skin cancer on the noggin.





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