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Skin Cancer happens when the cells in the skin grow uncontrollably and form a tumor essentially. There are several, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, which is the most dangerous form. The primary cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. People who spend a lot of time in the sun or have a history of sunburns are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, but believe it or not, one of the most preventable. Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen with a high SPF, seeking shade during peak sun hours, and avoiding tanning beds can greatly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. If you notice any changes in the size, shape, or color of a mole or other spot on your skin, or if you have a sore that doesn't heal.. see a doctor. Early detection of skin cancer can greatly improve your chances of a more manageable outcome. If diagnosed, the decision of the traditional route or holistic route, the journey is yours to choose..
The Myths - Here are some of the most common myths:
Myth 1: Only fair-skinned people are at risk of developing skin cancer. Truth: While people with fair skin are more susceptible to skin cancer, anyone can develop it, regardless of their skin color.
Myth 2: Sunscreen is not necessary on cloudy days. Truth: UV rays can penetrate clouds and still cause damage to your skin, so it's important to wear sunscreen even on cloudy days.
Myth 3: Tanning beds are a safer way to get a tan than the sun. Truth: Tanning beds emit high levels of UV radiation and are not a safe way to get a tan. In fact, using a tanning bed can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
Myth 4: Skin cancer is not a serious disease. Truth: Skin cancer can be a very serious disease, especially if it's not detected and treated early. Melanoma, in particular, can be a deadly form of skin cancer.
Myth 5: Sunscreen is all you need to protect your skin from the sun. Truth: While sunscreen is an important tool in protecting your skin from the sun, it's not enough on its own. You should also wear protective clothing, seek shade during peak sun hours, and avoid tanning beds.
Key Statistics
1. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, there will be an estimated 106,110 new cases of melanoma, 85,210 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma), and 7,180 deaths from skin cancer in the US in 2021.
2. The incidence of skin cancer is increasing. The incidence of melanoma has been rising for at least 30 years, and the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer has been increasing for even longer.
3. Exposure to UV radiation is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 90% of skin cancer cases are caused by exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds.
4. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. While it accounts for a relatively small percentage of skin cancer cases, it is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths.
Sources: - American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2021. https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/all-cancer-facts-figures/cancer-facts-figures-2021.html - National Cancer Institute. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program. Cancer Stat Facts: Melanoma of the Skin. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/melan.html - World Health Organization. Ultraviolet radiation and the INTERSUN Programme. https://www.who.int/uv/faq/skincancer/en/index1.html
Skin cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) are two different types of cancer that arise from different types of cells. It is possible for a person to have both skin cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma at the same time. This can happen if cancer cells from a skin tumor spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, and form a new tumor. This is called metastasis. In some cases, skin cancer can also weaken the immune system, making a person more susceptible to other types of cancer, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma. If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer or non-Hodgkin lymphoma, it's important to work with your healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that's right for you.
The Journey
Take care of yourself. Give yourself good, proper, self-care. Pay attention to the signs. If you are diagnosed with either skin cancer or non Hodgkin lymphoma, the debate of whether to do traditional treatment or holistic will always arise, but it is ultimately your choice. Vitamin B17, apricot seeds and seamoss I'll tuck away for a different post... My dear husband and co-founder Joe's non-Hodgkin lymphoma, that started as skin cancer, taught me a bit about both...
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