РефератыИностранный языкSkSkin Cancer Essay Research Paper Skin CancerOf

Skin Cancer Essay Research Paper Skin CancerOf

Skin Cancer Essay, Research Paper


Skin Cancer


Of all different kinds of cancer, skin cancer is one of the most


commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States. Skin cancer is a disease


which cancer cells are found on the outer layers of the skin. Your skin


protects the body from heat, infection, light, injury and infection. It also


stores fat, water, and vitamin D. The skin has two layers and several different


kinds of cells. With a certain lifestyle these cells can become


cancerous.(Prodigy Web Browser: An Introduction to skin Cancer {NET}, 1997)


Melanoma is associated with the highest case-fatality rate of all skin


cancers.(Mortality and Morbility Weekly Report Vol. 45/No. 17 , {MMWR}, 1996)


Numerous studies have delineated the natural history of skin cancers. Some cell


carcinomas tend to grow and invade slowly and steadily. Certain subtypes are


more aggressive, and certain sites of occurrence (scalp, shoulders and nose)


are associated with worse cases. Malignant melanoma may have a thin stage, in


which survival rates are excellent. The length of thin, or radial, growth phase


may be months to years. If untreated at some point melanoma enters a quick


growth phase. When this occurs the survival rates plummet.(Brandt, 1996) Skin


Cancer can be avoided. A change in lifestyle can reduce the risk of skin


cancer. This includes awareness of the reality of skin cancer, avoiding the sun,


and self-examination and screening.


Most of the time when people think of a serious disease they think of


things like lung cancer, heart disease, sexually transmitted diseases, and


other hot topic diseases of that nature. Skin cancer awareness and the


seriousness of skin cancer is far less emphasized. The MMWR did a survey of


knowledge of and awareness about melanoma in the united states in 1995. In 1996,


an estimated 38,300 cases of melanoma were diagnosed, and an approximately


7300 melanoma deaths would occur . Intervention strategies can be developed


with information and public awareness of melanoma. (MMWR) To help awareness and


public knowledge about melanoma, the American Academy of Dermatology conducted a


nation wide survey in 1995. (shown in appendix A) This report summarizes the


survey findings, which indicate that a high proportion (42%) of respondents had


no knowledge about melanoma. The level of awareness was lowest among persons


aged 18 to 24 years of age.(MMWR) Respondents were asked “Can you tell me what


melanoma is?”; 55% knew it was a type of cancer, 34% knew it was a type of skin


cancer and 42% did not know about melanoma. After being informed on melanoma,


they identified at least one risk factor of it. Most identified the risk


involved with exposure to the sun. Awa

reness also was varied substantially by


demographic factors including sex, race, age, education, income, and religion.


(MMWR)


In recent decades worshipping the sun has become a cult. A deep tan


and is popularly regarded as a sign of robust health and beauty. Some go as


far as using artificial tanning milk if they can’t get one naturally. While


millions bask in the sun and follow the sun far south in winter, artificially


produced tanning rays can give people their tan at home.(Brody, 1982)


Unfortunately, ultra violent rays are a trouble maker. A good appreciation for


the sun’s harm is long overdue. Most people won’t abandon their sun god


overnight, dermatologist hope that a better understanding on the sun’s harm will


inspire a safer form of worship.(Brody) The lack of understanding has spawned


fatal and very morbid cases of skin cancer. Certain factors such as skin type


and time of exposure also determine the risk of cancer. There are certain


precautions than can be taken to help lesson the affects of sun exposure. Use


of sun blocking agents such as sunscreens, hats and protective apparel other


can reduce the risks substantially. Sunscreens, not to be confused with tanning


oils, come in different degree’s of protection. According to skin type and time


of day determine what level of sunscreen is sufficient protection.(Brody) It is


smart to apply sunscreen with an at least SPF-15 or higher, to all areas of the


body that are exposed to the sun. Apply again every two hours, even on cloudy


days. Also after swimming or perspiring. Avoid exposure to ultra violent rays


such as sun lamps or tanning parlors. Keep children protected from excessive


sun exposure especially when the sun is the strongest (10:00AM and 3:00PM).(NET)


Always consult a physician with questions concerning health affects to ultra


violent exposure.


The third change in lifestyle is self-examination and screening. There


should be no excuse for it when a safe, inexpensive screening test exist and


when a person can learn what to look for at home. Screening is most helpful


when the disease is highly prevalent, and a natural history of the disease is


known.(Brandt) Self-examination requires no time. A person should look for


black spots on the skin and rapid growth of moles and freckles.(Brandt)


Skin cancer is a terrible disease that causes fatal and morbid results.


I seems as if it is a topic that is left alone and that makes the disease even


more dangerous. It is sad to think that so many people suffer from a cancer


that could have been so easily prevented with proper precautions and education


that require none to little effort what so ever. Just a small adjustment in


one’s lifestyle.


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