Myths Revealed About Skin Cancer and Age Spots

Myths Revealed About Skin Cancer and Age Spots
By Brianna Steen

Age spots, liver spots, sun spots or whatever they are called are very often counted to be a sign of skin cancer. People are not always even aware of what different skin marks are - moles, warfs and lentigos are often mixed up with liver spots (Melasma). I will reveal here some of the myths about skin cancer and look quickly into other skin marks also.
Skin Cancer Types
There are three types of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are generated by direct DNA damage while malignant melanoma is generated by indirect DNA damage. Melanoma is the most dangerous of all skin cancer types with the mortality rate of 15-20 % and it causes ca. 6500 deaths every year in the US while the two first have the mortality rate of only 0.3%.
Basal cell carcinoma usually looks like a raised, smooth, pearly bump on the sun-exposed skin of the head, neck or shoulders. Sometimes small blood vessels can be seen within the tumor. Crusting and bleeding in the center of the tumor frequently develops. It is often mistaken for a sore that does not heal. This form of skin cancer is the least deadly and with proper treatment can be completely eliminated with not so much as a single scar.
Squamous cell carcinoma is commonly a red, scaling, thickened patch on sun-exposed skin. Ulceration and bleeding may occur. When SCC is not treated, it may develop into a large mass. Squamous cell is the second most common skin cancer, it is dangerous, but not nearly as dangerous as Melanoma.
Most melanomas are brown to black looking lesions. Signs that might indicate a malignant melanoma include change in size, shape, color or elevation of a mole. Other signs are the appearance of a new mole during adulthood or new pain, itching, ulceration or bleeding.
Age Spots Are the Sign of Skin Cancer
It is a very common myth that age spots would automatically be a sign of skin cancer. That is definitely not the case. Age spots themselves are very very rarely cancerous. In fact, scientifically thinking the liver spots do not pose any medical problems (except psychological) and are not dangerous in any ways. But the same skin cells can get more damaged and get cancer later (as any other skin cells). This myth is busted.
Age Spots Cause Cancer
I have often heard that skin cancer is stated to be generated by age spots. This "fact" is said because the liver spots have been diagnosed as non-cancerous at first but then later there has been melanoma. It would be easy to say that age spots have caused this cancer but the origin of the cancer is somewhere else - it just happened to be in the same skin cells. This myth is also busted.
If You Have Age Spots Have a Higher Risk to Get Skin Cancer
This myth is true but the answer is not that straight forward. Sun spots and skin cancers can form the same way - sun's UV rays cause changes in DNA. So if you have got sun spots, you have been to sun. And if you have been to sun too much, you have a higher risk to get cancer. Also the areas with sun spots have a higher risk to get cancer as the darker areas absorbs the sun better than the lighter areas.
Other Skin Marks - Can They Be Dangerous
There are several different skin mark types, for example moles, warfs, lentigos, "Café-au-lait"-spots, Becker's melanosis, Halo Neevus... Very often other skin marks are mixed with liver spots and only professional people can tell them from each other. Some skin marks are also very similar to melanoma marks so the doctors very often recommend to remove them, just in case. Melanoma can be suspected by checking the skin marks and their changes. Also new, fast growing mole is suspicious.
Conclusion
Eventhough the age spots themselves are not dangerous, you have a higher risk of getting skin cancer if you have them. Also some other skin marks look very similar to age spots and only specialized dermatologist can tell what they exactly are. To be sure to not have a cancer, one should consult a dermatologist.
Do you have age spots? Do you think they should be removed? Do you have lower self-esteem because of the age spots?
Read about the methods of removing age spots and how to prevent them.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brianna_Steen

Turmeric and Skin Cancer - Study Results Show it Could Help

Turmeric and Skin Cancer - Study Results Show it Could Help
By Peter Foremski

When you read the data, most observers remark on the statistic that the number of people who succumb to this disease is growing. Of course it's important to be reminded why but what about any new treatments?
These days many more natural remedies are being sought for what ails us, which includes some thought provoking data between the herb turmeric and skin cancer. Research has shown it to be beneficial in both the stages of prevention and during treatment.
The medical experts tell us that diet and lifestyle are big influences on who catches any one of a hundred different types of cancers. With skin cancer a lot can be attributed to our love of sunbathing and the skin damage which is as a result of over exposure.
Some of us heed the advice of health experts in limiting the time spent in direct sunlight, especially for babies and younger children, while others disregard it or foolishly believe it won't happen to them. The sensible ones have discovered that using dietary and nutrient knowledge can give them a preventative edge and reduce the risks of getting the disease.
One such piece of ammunition is a spice called turmeric, and its extract curcumin which apparently has tumor suppressing powers. One U.S. study whilst not carried out in humans or animals but in laboratory dishes found the herb to cause the melanoma cells to self destruct. It addition, it was quick to comment on the fact that those taking curcumin on a regular basis also have lower rates of some cancers.
We now await future clinical trials on turmeric and skin cancer in both humans and animals, typically in mice. The good news is that this herb extract is more readily available in dietary and nutritional supplements, so that old adage of prevention is better than cure rings true once again.
Peter Foremski is an avid researcher and consumer of nutritional supplements of natural origin that provide optimum health. To examine his findings and opinions and which products to look out for, go to http://www.natural-nutritional-supplement.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Foremski

How to Prevent Skin Cancer and the Other Harmful Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation

How to Prevent Skin Cancer and the Other Harmful Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation
By Belen Tanghal

Imagine spending lazy days under the sun, no thoughts on how to prevent skin cancer, swimming in the deep blue-green crystal clear waters, strolling barefoot on powder-like sand and your skin turning golden brown. "Perfect", you might say but I say, "it's far from perfect". What's wrong with such a holiday on the beach? For one thing, the sun emits dangerous ultraviolet radiation and your skin turning golden brown is not safe. The truth hurts but being baked alive results to harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation such as your skin produces free radicals. These free radicals are poisonous molecules that damage your skin's collagen, cells and DNA.
Damage to collagen results to wrinkles and coarseness of your skin's texture. And as you stay longer under the sun without using any protection, your skin's natural defense mechanism weakens and leads to pigmentation. Over time, excessive sun exposure may cause damage to your cells and finally, skin cancer! A fun beach vacation is still possible as long as you know the 7 ways on how to prevent skin cancer and the other dangerous effects of ultraviolet radiation on you.
So how to prevent skin cancer? The single most effective way on how to prevent skin cancer is to completely stay out of the sun. But staying out of the sun is not that simple especially when you live near the equator where the sun is out almost all the time or when you love the outdoors. What to do then? There are 7 practical and effective steps on how to prevent skin cancer and in protecting yourself from the other harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. The 7 skin cancer prevention strategies:
1. Avoid the sun between 10am to 4pm. The UV rays of the sun are very intense and very harmful within this time frame. Try to go outside before 10am and after 4pm.
2. Always apply a good sunblock or sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection. Broad spectrum means it can protect you from deadly effects of ultraviolet radiation. For daily use (meaning you are inside a building between 10am to 4pm), a sunscreen with an spf of 15 is sufficient. However, for the climate in the philippines, a sunscreen of at least spf30 is required for everyday use. For outdoor activities, you need a sunblock with at least spf50 especially if you are in the beach or in an elevated area where the effects of ultraviolet radiation are more intense.
3. How to prevent skin cancer? Wear protective clothing. Light clothing will not give ample protection from the sun as ultraviolet radiation can penetrate light material. Clothing should be tightly woven.
4. Wear a hat with a wide brim as a wide brim provides better coverage for your face, ears and back of head and neck.
5. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. The sun can also damage your eyes causing cataracts to form. The best types of sunglasses are those which offer 100% UV protection, wrap around your eyes from side to side and have polarized lenses. These types of sunglasses may cost more but don't scrimp. Remember, it is your precious eyes they are protecting and so, it's worth the price.
6. Follow the shadow rule. The shadow rules says, "when your shadow is short, go and seek shade". When the sun's intensity is at its peak, your shadow appears shorter. During this time, do seek shade under an awning, a tree or an umbrella. But always remember that this is not a good step on how to prevent skin cancer because you are not fully protected.
7. Finally, drink lots and lots of plain water especially when you are out in the sun for a long time. No colas or other sugary drinks, please. The effects of ultraviolet radiation are not only felt by your skin and your eyes but also by your immune system. Follow the 7 strategies on preventing skin cancer and the other damaging effects of the sun and your beach holiday will be a lot more fun and safer.
Are you scared of cancer? Don't be. Your body can protect itself from cancer. You just have to know how. Find out more about cancer prevention at http://www.your-cancer-prevention-guide.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Belen_Tanghal