Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and it’s important to understand that many types are curable if identified early enough. This blog post will discuss the different types of skin cancer, how they are treated, and how to prevent them.
Types of Skin Cancer
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. BCC is the most common form of skin cancer and is usually found on areas of the body that have been exposed to the sun. SCC is slightly more aggressive than BCC but can still be treated with surgery or radiation. Melanoma is a rarer type of skin cancer but is also much more serious; it can spread quickly throughout the body and become life-threatening if not caught early.
How Is Skin Cancer Treated?
The best way to treat skin cancer is to identify it as early as possible. Doctors usually opt to remove early-stage skin cancers with surgery, which often requires removing some healthy tissue around the affected area just in case any stray cancer cells remain after treatment. In some cases, radiation therapy may be used instead of surgery. In cases where skin cancer has spread beyond the original site, chemotherapy or immunotherapy may be necessary for treatment.
Preventing Skin Cancer
The best way to prevent skin cancer is by limiting your exposure to UV rays from sunlight or tanning beds. Wear sunscreen whenever you are outside for long periods of time and make sure you use a sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30 or higher. If you must go out in direct sunlight during peak hours (between 10 a.m.-4 p.m.), wear protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses as well as sunscreen for extra protection from UV rays. Additionally, check your skin regularly for signs of abnormal moles or other changes that could indicate skin cancer has developed so that it can be treated promptly if necessary.
As we discussed above, most types of skin cancer are curable if they are identified early enough by medical professionals and treated appropriately with either surgery or radiation therapy depending on severity. Taking preventive measures such as using sunscreen when outdoors, checking your skin regularly for abnormal moles or changes, wearing protective clothing when needed, and avoiding tanning beds can help reduce your risk significantly of developing this common form of cancer. Being aware and proactive about your health can lead to better outcomes if you ever do develop any type of skin condition including skin cancer down the road!
