Skin Cancer (Melanoma) Risk Factors, Symptoms And Treatment

Skin Cancer Survival Rates And Statistics:

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and its rates have been increasing worldwide over the past few decades, partly due to increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and tanning beds. Here is statistics about skin cancer:

According to the World Health Organization, there are approximately 3 million new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer and 132,000 new cases of melanoma each year worldwide.
In the United States, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, with more than 5 million cases diagnosed each year. This is more than the combined incidence of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer.
The lifetime risk of developing melanoma in the United States is about 1 in 40 for Caucasians, 1 in 200 for Hispanics and 1 in 1,000 for African Americans.
The incidence of melanoma has been increasing over the past several decades, with an annual increase of about 3-5% in fair-skinned populations.
The five-year survival rate for people with melanoma is about 95% if the cancer is detected and treated early but drops significantly if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Indoor tanning is a known risk factor for skin cancer and people who use indoor tanning devices before age 35 have a 59% higher risk of melanoma. In the United States, it is estimated that more than 400,000 cases of skin cancer each year are related to indoor tanning.

What is Risk Factors Of Skin Cancer?

Exposure To Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation: Exposure to UV radiation from the sun is the most common cause of skin cancer. Tanning beds and sun lamps also emit UV radiation and can increase the risk of skin cancer. People who work outside or spend a lot of time in the sun are at a higher risk of skin cancer, as are people who live in areas with high levels of UV radiation.
Fair Skin: People with fair skin have less melanin, the pigment that protects the skin from UV radiation and are therefore at a higher risk of skin cancer. But people with darker skin can still develop skin cancer, particularly on areas that are not exposed to the sun, such as the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.
Family History: A personal or family history of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, increases a person’s risk of developing skin cancer. Inherited genetic mutations can increase the risk of skin cancer in some families.
Age: The risk of skin cancer increases with age, particularly after age 50. This is partly due to cumulative exposure to UV radiation over time.
Weakened Immune System: People with weakened immune systems have a higher risk of developing skin cancer, as their body is less able to repair damage caused by UV radiation. This includes people who have had an organ transplant, as well as people with HIV/AIDS.
Certain Medical Conditions: Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare genetic condition that increases the risk of skin cancer. Other medical conditions that can increase the risk of skin cancer include albinism and certain types of inherited moles.
Exposure To Certain Chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic, can increase the risk of skin cancer. Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that can be found in some well water and exposure to high levels of arsenic has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer.
Previous Skin Cancer: People who have had skin cancer in the past are at an increased risk of developing it again. This is especially true for people who have had melanoma.

What Are The Types Of Skin Cancer?

There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): This type of skin cancer is typically slow-growing and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. It usually appears as a small, raised bump or a pearly white, waxy or translucent patch on the skin. BCCs are most commonly found on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face, ears, neck and scalp. They may bleed or form a crust or scab but they generally don’t cause pain or itchiness. BCCs can be treated with a variety of methods, including surgical excision, Mohs surgery, cryotherapy and radiation therapy.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): This type of skin cancer is also most commonly found on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face, ears, neck and hands. It typically appears as a scaly, red or pink patch or bump, sometimes with a rough or crusty surface. SCCs can grow quickly and may spread to other parts of the body if not treated early. Treatment for SCC typically involves surgical excision, Mohs surgery, radiation therapy or topical medications.
Melanoma: Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and can be deadly if not detected and treated early. It typically appears as a new or changing mole on the skin, often with irregular borders, uneven color and a diameter larger than a pencil eraser. Melanomas can occur anywhere on the body and may also appear on normal-appearing skin. Melanoma can spread quickly to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, liver, lungs and brain. Treatment for melanoma typically involves surgical excision, sometimes with additional treatments such as immunotherapy or targeted therapy.

Please be aware of any changes in your skin, such as new growths or changes in existing moles and to have any concerning spots evaluated by a healthcare professional. Regular skin self-exams and skin checks by a healthcare provider can help detect skin cancer early, when it is most treatable. Besides that, practicing sun safety, such as wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen, can help reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.

What Causes Skin Cancer?

UV Radiation: Ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning beds is the primary cause of skin cancer. There are two types of UV radiation that can cause skin damage: UVA and UVB. UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin and can cause wrinkles and age spots, while UVB radiation causes sunburns and is the primary cause of skin cancer. UV radiation can also damage the DNA in skin cells, cause to mutations that can cause the cells to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a cancerous tumor.
Fair Skin: People with fair skin are at higher risk of developing skin cancer, as they have less melanin to protect their skin from UV radiation. Melanin is a pigment that gives color to the skin and helps protect it from UV radiation. People with darker skin have more melanin and are at lower risk of developing skin cancer.
History Of Sunburns: Repeated sunburns, especially during childhood or adolescence, increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Sunburns can cause long-lasting damage to the DNA in skin cells, increasing the risk of mutations and cancer.
Family History: Skin cancer can run in families, indicating a genetic predisposition to the disease. People with a family history of skin cancer may be at higher risk of developing the disease themselves.
Exposure To Radiation: Exposure to radiation from medical treatments or occupational exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer. Radiation can damage the DNA in skin cells, increasing the risk of mutations and cancer.
Weakened Immune System: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or who have received an organ transplant, are at higher risk of developing skin cancer. The immune system helps protect the body from cancer by recognizing and destroying abnormal cells. When the immune system is weakened, it may be less able to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Age: The risk of developing skin cancer increases with age, as older skin has been exposed to more UV radiation over time. However, skin cancer can occur at any age.
Certain Medications: Some medications, such as immunosuppressants, can increase the risk of skin cancer. Immunosuppressants are drugs that suppress the immune system, and are often used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs. These drugs can also increase the risk of cancer by weakening the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy abnormal cells.

What Are The Symptoms Of Skin Cancer?

New Growth Or Sore That Doesn’t Heal: This is often the first sign of skin cancer. The growth may appear as a small, shiny, pink or red bump or as a scaly, rough or thickened patch of skin. It may also bleed, scab or crust over and it may be painful or itchy. If you notice a new growth or sore that doesn’t heal within a few weeks, it’s recommended to see a healthcare provider.
Changes To An Existing Mole: If you have a mole that has changed in size, shape, color or texture or if it starts to itch, bleed or crust over, it may be a sign of skin cancer. Look out for moles that are asymmetrical, have irregular edges or have multiple colors. Any changes to an existing mole should be evaluated by a doctor.
Rough, Scaly Patches Or Red, Inflamed Areas: These may be precancerous growths called actinic keratoses, which can develop into squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated. They typically appear on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, scalp, ears and backs of the hands. Actinic keratoses may feel rough or gritty, and they may be red, pink or brown in color.
Shiny, Pearly Bump: This may be a sign of basal cell carcinoma, which is the most common type of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinomas often appear on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face, neck and arms. They may be pink, red or brown in color and they may be shiny, pearly or waxy in texture. Basal cell carcinomas may also bleed or crust over.
Dark, Black Or Brown Patches: These may be a sign of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Melanomas often appear on sun-exposed areas of the body but they can also appear on areas that are not exposed to the sun. They may have irregular borders, be asymmetrical and have variations in color, with shades of black, brown and tan. Melanomas may also be itchy or painful, and they may bleed or crust over.

How is Skin Cancer Treated?

Surgical Excision: This is a common treatment for most types of skin cancer. During the procedure, the healthcare provider will remove the cancerous lesion, along with a margin of healthy skin surrounding it. The amount of skin removed will depend on the size and type of the cancer. In some cases, stitches may be needed to close the wound. After surgery, the tissue is sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope to ensure that all the cancer cells have been removed.
Mohs Surgery: This is a specialized type of surgical excision that is often used for skin cancers that are large, aggressive or in areas where preserving healthy tissue is important, such as the face or hands. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the cancer layer by layer, checking each layer under a microscope until all the cancer cells have been removed. This technique is highly precise and allows for the preservation of healthy tissue.
Radiation Therapy: This involves the use of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It may be used as the primary treatment for small, early-stage skin cancers or as an adjuvant therapy after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Radiation therapy can cause side effects, such as skin irritation or fatigue but they are usually temporary and go away after treatment is completed.
Topical Medications: These are creams, gels or lotions that are applied directly to the skin. They contain drugs that can kill cancer cells or stimulate the immune system to attack the cancer. Topical medications are often used to treat precancerous lesions or small, early-stage skin cancers that are located on the surface of the skin.
Chemotherapy: This involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It is typically used for advanced skin cancers that have spread to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy drugs can be given intravenously or taken orally. They can cause side effects, such as nausea, hair loss and fatigue.
Immunotherapy: This involves the use of drugs that stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It is typically used for advanced skin cancers that have spread to other parts of the body. Immunotherapy drugs can be given intravenously or taken orally. They can cause side effects, such as fever, chills, and fatigue.

Advice For Skin Cancer

Here is some advice for preventing and managing skin cancer:

Protect your skin from the sun: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the most common cause of skin cancer. To protect your skin, avoid direct sunlight during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm), wear protective clothing (such as long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats), use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and seek shade whenever possible.
Perform regular skin self-exams: Check your skin regularly for any new moles or growths, changes in the appearance of existing moles or growths or any other unusual changes. If you notice anything suspicious, see a healthcare provider.
Get regular skin cancer screenings: If you have a history of skin cancer or are at high risk for developing it, your doctor may recommend regular skin cancer screenings. During the screening, doctor will examine your skin for any signs of cancer.
Don’t use tanning beds: Tanning beds emit UV radiation, which increases the risk of skin cancer. Avoid using tanning beds altogether.
Be aware of your risk factors: Some factors, such as having fair skin, a history of sunburns, a family history of skin cancer or a weakened immune system, can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. If you have any of these risk factors, be especially vigilant about protecting your skin and getting regular screenings.
Follow your doctor’s recommendations: If you are diagnosed with skin cancer, work closely with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Follow their recommendations for follow-up care and monitoring to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.

You can find advice for another very common cancer type: Blood Cancer in below page. We wish healthy and happy life to you…