What exactly is skin cancer and how likely are people to get it?

Question

I see all this stuff on the news about how horrible the sun is for your skin...but is it really so? I always thought the sun was good for your skin. I love to surf, go to the beach on weekends and am in the sun in a bathing suit pretty much all day, so I'm starting to worry

Answer 1

Skin Cancer aka Malignant Melonoma, is one of the easiest forms of cancer to catch and to be cured of.

You can get it from overexposure to the sun. One sign is a mole that doesn't seem to heal and oozes constantly.

Having said that, you can "prevent" skin cancer.

1. Never allow yourself to get sun burn. This is very very bad. Always were a suntan oil with SPF 15 or higher. Perferably Higher.

2. Inspect your skin like you would examine your breasts. Look at any changes in moles, or spots on your skin that seem to change colors. The more you notice the better off you are.

3. Have regular checkups and bring to your doctors attention any areas that concern you especially if it is a mole that is weeping.

4. NEVER NEVER use coca butter or any other "butter" like sun tanning solution on your skin. Instead of protecting it actually causes your skin to fry.

5. Drink plenty of water and juices when venturing outside. Although this has nothing to do with skin cancer it can help revent other medical problems associated with being in the sun and warmer weather.

Answer 2

There is a little saying, "too much is a bad thing". You're right in saying that the sun can be good for you but if you get too much exposure the UV rays of the sun can illicit the production of free radicals in your skin, which is an atom with at least one unpair electron in the outershell. This property makes the molecule highly reactive and therefore dangerous. Free radicals can damage DNA, causing cancer; increases wrinkles, making you look older than your time and there is some evidence to suggest that free radicals can even supress the immune system, putting you at greater risk of infections. Spending too much time in the sun is unwise. In high temperatures, say, 30 C or above, you should limit your sunbathing to 1 to 2 hrs per day and do use plenty of sunblock for protection!

If you are after a dark tan then getting a fake tan is perhaps the way forward. But don't avoid the sun altogether... the sun can be good for you because the UV rays have been identified with the production of vitamin D within your body's cells. Vitamin D is vital to your system because it helps to maintain normal levels of calcium in the blood, along with performing many other functions!

P.S. There are different types of skin cancer. Melonoma, the most dangerous type, is caused by UV light. These cancerous cells grow uncontrollably, spreading to other parts of the body via the lymphatic system, making it harder to remove! Melanoma is a concern and unfortunately many die from it each year.

Answer 3

There are different kinds. There are carcenomas and melanomas. Carcenomas basically stay on the skin surface, where melanomas often invade the rest of the body and can kill you. I went to tanning beds in my 20s a lot. I am extremely fair-skinned and freckled. I am now 37 and have had 5 basil cell carcenomas removed from the upper half of my body and face. It's no fun at all!!!

I think it has more to do with just sun exposure though. I think its a reaction to all the chemicals in the environment or something as well.

Wear your sunscreen and enjoy the sun. Just don't purposely tan.

Answer 4

While cancer is over 100 different diseases, some types of cancer have identified contributors. Overexposure to the sun is the principle cause of skin cancer. However, skin cancer can be treated if caught early. Skin cancer is defined as a disease in which cancer cells are found in the outer layers of the skin. There are three types of skin cancer: Squamous and basal cell cancers have a survival rate of 95% if found early and treated properly. There are many early warning signs of these types of cancer.

Some examples are:

A change on the skin such as a growth or a sore that won't heal.
A flat red spot that is rough or scaly.
A small lump that can be smooth, shiny or waxy looking.

The third type of skin cancer, melanoma, can appear suddenly and is a very aggressive type of cancer. This is why early detection is essential. Melanoma is a cancer of the pigment cells, appearing to be varied shades of tan, brown, or black. The following chart shows melanoma danger signs.
Who's at Risk?
Anyone who is exposed to sunlight is at risk for skin cancer. However, people with the following characteristics have the highest risk for melanoma:

Fair complexions that burn or blister easily.
Blonde or red hair.
Blue, green or gray eyes.
Excessive sun exposure during childhood and teen years or blistering sunburns before age 20.
A family history of melanoma.
More than 100 moles on your body; 50 if you are under age 20.
Males Females Total
1 in 25 1 in 34 1 in 29
Other Skin Cancer 80% of ALL cancers are non-melanoma skin cancers

Answer 5

i have dark skin by nature, i always wore minimal sunscreen never burned and generally maintained an pretty good tan but when i was 18 they foung skin ca, its not that big of a deal all they did was remove it

Answer 6

You can get skin cancer from getting burnt alot, usually blonde's or redheads are more susceptible to getting it because they have fairer skin. As long as you use sunscreen you should be fine.

Answer 7

its rapid reproduction of skin sells and they can't heal

the sun isn't good for your skin. even when you just tan you are burning it. just be smart about the sun and wear sunscreen

Answer 8

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/skincancer.html

http://www.maui.net/~southsky/introto.html

Just remember "SUNSCREEN IS YOUR FRIEND"

Answer 9

your not as hot too and don't call me babe