Most of us know that excessive sun exposure is associated with skin cancer, but did you know that many other factors play a role? Skin cancer comes in several forms, but they share many common risk factors. While early diagnosis can make skin cancer treatable, avoiding or managing your risk is always the best option.
Like other types of cancer, skin cancer forms when cells begin to divide abnormally and outlive their normal lifespan. Cancers that occur in the layers of dividing skin cells are called basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Cancer arising from pigmented cells called melanocytes, known as melanoma, is the most dangerous type of skin cancer but still highly treatable when caught early in its development.
All cancers have the same underlying cause: changes to the DNA inside cells that allow them to behave abnormally. Many factors contribute to these DNA changes, which can allow cells to divide faster and resist the normal signals to stop growing. The most common of these risk factors is exposure to UV light from the sun or tanning beds. UV rays penetrate the skin and cause DNA damage that greatly increases your risk. Other factors include:
People with a family history of skin cancer may have inherited a genetic change that makes skin cells more likely to undergo cancerous changes. These changes are also more likely to develop randomly as you age. While you cannot avoid your genetics, you can protect yourself by taking preventative measures.
Experts recommend that you have skin cancer screenings annually, just like you do for other medical conditions. A skin cancer screening is performed by a highly trained specialist who will examine every part of your skin, paying special attention to anything unusual or concerning.
If your skin cancer expert has concerns, the next step is typically a biopsy. This procedure takes a small sample of the problem area and sends it to a pathology lab to find out if any cancer cells are present. If they are, further tests may be performed to determine the extent and type of cancer.
Especially when discovered in its early stages, skin cancer is often removed with a simple procedure. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other methods may be recommended for other types of skin cancer, especially those likely to spread. Skin cancer that spreads will require more extensive treatment, making prevention and early detection even more vital.
Do you have questions about skin cancer risk factors? Reach out to Cochise Oncology at (520) 335-9460 or fill out the consultation form on this page. Cochise Oncology: Healing Begins Here.
