The prevalence of this disease has reached epidemic proportions, with one in five people affected by it by the age of 70. Despite this fact, many people still ignore the importance of skin cancer awareness. The importance of skin cancer prevention should not be underestimated, and people of all ethnic backgrounds should be vigilant in recognizing and preventing skin cancer. It’s easy to get misinformed about how to protect your skin and how to protect yourself from this terrible disease.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, with over one million new cases diagnosed in the United States every year. It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer at some point in their lives. Most of these skin cancers are not life-threatening, but certain types are aggressive and can spread to distant organs, including the lungs and brain. There are many different types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
Merkel cell cancer is a form of skin cancer that is particularly aggressive and typically begins in hormone-producing cells. It is most common on the face, head, neck, and breast, but can occur anywhere. It’s also known as neuroendocrine cancer of the skin. Melanoma begins in the cells called melanocytes at the junction between the epidermis and dermis. Melanoma is the most severe type of skin cancer and accounts for only about 1% of all new cases.
The treatments for nonmelanoma skin cancers vary and depend on the type of cancer, its location, and other factors. Patients should discuss the treatment options with their dermatologist to decide which one is best. All surgery carries risks and side effects. Patients must make sure they discuss any concerns they have with their doctors. If possible, they should try to limit their sun exposure in the midday hours. This will help prevent the development of skin cancer.
Melanoma is more common in white people than in other races. White people, however, have the highest survival rates of any race. In fact, the five-year survival rate for white people is higher than for other races. People of African descent have four times higher rates of diagnosis for advanced melanoma. Despite its high mortality rates, it is important to know that a person’s race and ethnicity are not the only factors that can increase their chances of getting this disease.
Symptoms of non-melanoma skin cancer include uneven color, different shades of brown or tan, and uneven size. The best way to diagnose the condition early is to undergo a skin biopsy. A biopsy will take a sample of tumour tissue, which will be examined under a microscope. The results of a skin biopsy are usually received several weeks after it has been performed. If it is suspected to be cancer, skin cancer treatment can begin.
