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Educate Yourself About Skin Cancer

By: Keefe Figgatt

Cancer consists of more than 100 ailments. Each kind of cancer is different to other types in many ways, although all cancers are a disease of some of the cells in the body.

Healthy cells grow, divide and replace themselves on a continual basis. That's how the body's tissue is created, and it's how a healthy body grows, repairs itself and stays in good health. Cancer occurs when some of these cells lose their ability to perform these tasks. The duplication, progress and growth capability of the cells is limited. The cells may divide themselves too rapidly, and may grow without organization. Malignant or benign tumors are formed when the cancerous cells produce too much tissue.

Benign tumors do not lead to cancer. They do not extend to the rest of the body and are not life threatening. These type of tumors are usually removed via surgery and usually do not return. They are often more of a nuisance than a threat.

Malignant tumors are those that will lead to cancer. These tumors invade and destroy the neighboring healthy tissues and organs, causing illness in the body. Malignant tumors can spread or "metastasize" to other organs and cause new tumors to grow throughout the body.

The two main kinds of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and Squamous cell carcinoma. A carcinoma is the term used to describe a cancer that begins in the cells that cover or surround an organ.

In the United States, basal cell carcinoma accounts for more than 90 percent of all skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly, and it rarely spreads to other areas. Regardless, it's important that all types of skin cancer are found early and promptly treated, preventing them from invading and destroying nearby tissues.

Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are usually referred to as nonmelanoma skin cancer. Melanoma is another form of skin cancer which begins in the melanocytes.

Skin cancer is presently the most common type of cancer in the United States. It's been estimated that between 40 and 50 percent of Americans who live to be 65 years and older will develop skin cancer at least once. However, it must be noted that any age and nationality can develop skin cancer. Those who are fair skin and freckled with red or blond hair and blue or light colored eyes are the sorts of people who are at most risk of developing the disease.

The sun's UV (ultraviolet) radiation is the most common cause of skin cancer. The sun creates two types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA and UVB. Tanning booths and sun beds create artificial UV radiation, and will also cause skin cancer.

Skin cancer affects a greater number of people living in certain areas of the world. Those who live under the hot Texan sun are particularly at risk. Skin cancer rates are also higher in Australia and South Africa, where people are exposed to excessive amounts of the sun's UV rays every day. Those living in these, and other areas where UV exposure is high, are more likely to develop skin cancer.

Article Source: http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-articles

Author Keefe Figgatt writes for several well-known Internet magazines, on health and wellness and health news issues.
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