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Skin Cancer Research Paper

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The Epidemiology of Skin Cancer Skin cancer is best known as a mutation of the skin when cells grow abnormally. These mutations most commonly come in forms of moles, freckles, or simple markings that are out of the norm. Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most commonly occurring form of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinomas occur in the basal cells in the lining of the skin and mostly occur from over exposure to sunlight. Skin cancer is rising to become the most prevalent form of cancer. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation Website 5 million people are treated for a case of skin cancer each year. The American Academy of Dermatology stated that in adults ages 25-29 melanoma is the most common form of cancer the second most common form of cancer for15-29 …show more content…
Skin cancer in children is extremely uncommon but as the rates of melanoma increase generally in all age groups, the rate of children developing the condition does also. Although vitamin D from the sun is good for your health it can be extremely damaging in the long run. There are many preventative measures that can be practiced in order to protect the skin from developing any type of cancer. The problem with preventative measures is that there is not enough education on what the correct way to protect is. Skin cancer is a completely preventable disease that is taking an overwhelming toll on our population. There are many signs and symptoms associated with skin cancer. Skin cancer signs can range from extremely noticeable to the affected being completely unaware until seeing a physician. There are three different types of skin cancer that all have different signs and symptoms. The three types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. All three different types have certain markings which are how they are identified and also the major sign of skin cancer being present. Basal cell carcinoma is most prevalent on the areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun such as …show more content…
The Skin Cancer Foundation website states that indoor tanners using ultraviolet rays are 74% more likely to develop melanoma than those who do not tan indoors (Indoor Tanning). The main population at risk from developing skin cancer due to indoor tanning is young women. The Skin Cancer Foundation writes on a meta-analysis which found that people who started tanning before age 35 had a 75 percent higher risk of developing melanoma. High skin cancer numbers have been associated with persons living or have previously lived in tropical areas such as Florida, the Caribbean, and Australia. This is because these tropical areas are closer to the sun and receive harsher results from it. Genetics play a role in that if an individual has close relatives such as parents, brother, sister or child that have had skin cancer they are more likely to develop it themselves. There is also certain medical history associated with skin cancer. Some medical history that may cause a heightened chance to develop skin cancer is actinic keratosis or damaged skin, receiving an organ transplant, skin being badly burned, having x-rays done repeatedly, and also diseases such as lymphoma, xeroderma pigmentosum, and gorlin’s syndrome. In terms of race, many studies show that Caucasians have highest rate of skin cancer with African Americans following behind and then Hispanics. A number of reports have been written on the prevalence of skin cancer, primarily melanoma, in men

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