Protect Yourself Against Skin Cancer

Of the different kinds of cancer that human beings are prone to, skin cancer is the most commonplace. The causes of skin cancer are many. People living in cold places love to sit in the sun, others vie with each other for a suntan. Too much exposure to the ultraviolet rays from the sun is known to trigger cancer cells. Often the damage is done even before youth are out of their teens, as that is the time they are most subjected to the sun's bad effects. The more fair skinned you are, the greater the chances of contracting this type of cancer. Congenital traits are responsible for cancer in families. Environmental exposure to toxic elements like arsenic in its many forms, the highly radioactive radium, creosote, a product of wood tar, and viscid substances like coal tar and pitch are responsible for the high incidence of cancer.

Though it may come as a surprise to many, there is no larger organ in the human body than the skin. It's the body's armor, defending the other organs against bacteria and keeping them from being injured. It helps maintain the fluid levels in the body by preventing the loss of this precious substance. It conveys messages to the brain concerning the temperature of the body, which it monitors, as well as the sensation of touch. It sends signals when the body feels pain. Being multi-functional, is it any wonder then why the skin is an important organ and must be looked after?

Cancer of the skin is classified under two headsnon-melanoma and melanoma.

The former occurs in any part of the body unprotected from the sun's harmful rays. The skin on the face, neck and hands are especially prone to this type of cancer. This kind is localized and doesn't usually spread to other areas. It may be slow moving or could advance rapidly.

Melanoma manifests itself in the cells responsible for producing melanin or pigment, which gives the skin its color. Melanin keeps the many layers of the skin safe from the damaging effects of the sun's radiation. Although this type of cancer is not as common as non-melanoma, it is far more deadly and can be fatal if not detected in its early stages.

To be able to combat skin cancer, watch for the early warning signs. It could be a slight disfigurement' of the skin that makes you uneasy or perhaps a familiar mole that somehow looks different and has you wondering. Perhaps it's a dark lump or nodule, the alarmingly quick growth of which has you worried. Have you noticed that the skin has changed in texture or it oozes or bleeds, and you have no explanation for it? If you experience a new sensitivity, a tendency to scratch or feel pain, its time to sit up and take notice. In all these instances don't hesitate to make an appointment with the doctor. It could mean your life.

Prevention, as the adage goes, is better than cure. Don't expose yourself to the sun for too long and try to keep indoors or in the shade, if you cannot help being out, from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon. The right kind of clothing with a tight weave, comfortably styled with long sleeves is ideal. Slather on the sunscreen lotions (SPF 15 at least) and don't think one application will do. Repeat the process especially if you've had a swim, or if you've been perspiring and mopping the sweat off. Don't be careless on cloudy days. The harmful rays are still at work.

Headgear will help. Sport a hat with a wide brim so that most of your face, back and neck are protected. A cap doesn't offer much protection so don't neglect you neck and ears when applying sunscreen lotion.

Your eyes are sensitive too. Go with a pair of sunglasses, one that can absorb almost cent per cent of the ultraviolet rays. The bigger the lens, the better the protection.

All these precautions will not only help prevent cancer but will keep your skin looking younger, healthier and the wrinkles at bay. So protect yourself the trendy way and guard yourself against skin cancer.