Skin Cancer Prevention

Skin cancer is by far the most common cancer of mankind, but it is also among the most preventable of all cancers. Prevention begins in early childhood with the avoidance of direct exposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays and by the diligent use of sunscreens made for children. As the opportunity for outdoor activities increases as the child ages, good advice and good habits regarding the use of sunscreen and moderate sun exposure are the responsibility of parents, caretakers, teachers, and medical professionals. In addition, the incredible dangers of artificial tanning beds, which drastically increase the chance of the most lethal skin cancers, must be continually emphasized. It is a fact that the very first event which must take place in order for a golden brown tan to appear is DNA damage. That's right--DNA damage is what makes the skin turn brown!

Over time, as large amounts of DNA damage accumulate in the skin of adults, precancerous growths and overt skin cancers begin to appear. They come in many shapes, textures, and colors, but they all share one important trait--if detected early, most are easily eliminated forever. If ignored and left to grow, they may ultimately lead to the need for extensive, deforming surgery or even death. Skin cancers frequently do not bother the patient with itching or pain but quietly just grow and spread without calling any attention to themselves. The safest way to prevent such harmful growths is to have a periodic "spot check" by a doctor or nurse practitioner experienced in skin cancer detection and treatment.

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