Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer: Prevention

The main way to avoid skin cancer is to protect yourself from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.   A sunburn or tan is actually the result of cell damage caused by the sun.  Here are several suggestions to avoid the sun’s UV rays: Stay indoors or avoid unnecessary sun exposure, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. [...]

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New Approach Prevents Skin Cancer Using Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

By William Nelson One in 5 Americans will get skin cancer in their lifetime. 90% of skin cancers are caused by excessive sun exposure, yet fewer than 33 percent of adults, adolescents, and children routinely use sun protection.  Cancer prevention and early detection techniques could eliminate up to 100,000 cancer cases and 60,000 US cancer [...]

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Skin Cancer: Risk Factors

The greatest risk for developing all types of skin cancers comes from sunburns. People with fair skin and those who tend to burn easily are more at risk. Other risk factors include: Age. The longer a person’s skin is exposed to the sun over time, the higher the risk of developing skin cancer. Appearance/skin type. [...]

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Skin Cancer: Conventional Treatment

When it comes to the early stages of the disease, the future is bright.  Most people with thin, localized melanomas are cured by appropriate surgery.  Early detection still remains the best weapon in fighting skin cancer. More treatments are available for more advanced disease.  The cure rate continues to rise.  Research has produced a greater [...]

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Skin Cancer: Complementary & Alternative Therapies

Alternative treatments are focused on preventing rather than treating skin cancer. In addition, some CAM treatments may reduce the side effects of conventional treatments. While many CAM treatments have not yet undergone rigorous scientific research, evidence suggests that some treatments may be useful when applied along with conventional treatments for skin conditions, including skin cancer. [...]

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Skin Cancer: Types & Symptoms

Types Basal cell carcinoma accounts for more than 90% of all skin cancers. It appears as a small, pink bump or patch.  It is a slow growing cancer that is usually is found on the head or neck but may be found on other parts of the body.  If left untreated, basal cell carcinoma can [...]

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Test Your Knowledge About Sunscreen

Sunscreen helps reduce sun exposure, but people need to know when and how to use it. Take this true or false quiz to see what you know. Sun protection factors do not vary greatly. True. A sunscreen’s sun protection factor (SPF), a scale for rating the level of sunburn protection, does not increase proportionately with [...]

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5 Myths About Protecting Yourself from Skin Cancer

By Emily Clark  Sara spends much of her summer near the beach. She lives in a mild climate and is very athletic. She loves to swim, bike and play games outdoors. Sara knows the dangers of the sun and so she opts for tanning salons to get her ‘golden glow’ while being sure to apply [...]

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What’s the Best Sunscreen?

By R. Morgan Griffin Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD Choosing a sunscreen isn’t as simple as it used to be. The next generation of sunscreens that are hitting the market are designed to offer fuller protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Given all the new options, how do you know which is the best [...]

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