Among the various types of cancer, skin cancer is one of the most common, particularly in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society it estimated in the past years that there will be 252,140 new cases of skin cancer and that metastasis will cause death in 15,690 people.
There are many types of skin cancer, but the most common are BCC, SCC, and melanoma. The most common type of skin cancer is the BCC and people under the age of 50 are more prone to it while people over the age of 50 are more likely to develop SCC. Melanoma on the other hand is the deadliest type of skin cancer. Fortunately, skin cancer is treatable especially if detected early on. Continue reading to find out about treatment for skin cancer.
How is skin cancer treated?
The course of treatment for skin cancer is affected and determined by the cancer’s stage. Similar to other cancers, skin cancer can be diagnosed in stages, from 0 to 4. If the spread of cancer is still minimal and restricted to the skin’s surface, a biopsy may be adequate and enough to remove all the cancerous tissue.
However, if the cancer cells have already spread, other courses of treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, cryotherapy, etc. will be recommended. The treatment might not only be limited to one type but might be a combination of different methods.
To make sure that the treatment will be successful, look for specialized skin care clinics like TheSCCC.com.au. They are well versed in looking after patients that are suffering from skin cancer.
What are the ways to prevent skin cancer?
It is actually easy to prevent skin cancer since the best form of defence is to stay out of the sun and to prevent sunburn. If it could not be avoided and you need to be under the sun’s rays, it is necessary that you apply sunscreen protection.
Your skin is harmed by the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and if you are constantly exposed to it, this might result in skin cancer. If you apply sunscreen that will be able to protect you from the UV rays when you need to go out, you lessen your risk of developing skin cancer. Wearing hats, long sleeved blouses and pants could also help shield your skin from UV rays. Avoiding going out, especially between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM also helps.
What is the survival rate for people with skin cancer?
Early detection is mostly the primary key to curing skin cancer. The chance of making a full recovery increase exponentially when the cancer is detected early. Basal cell skin cancer is curable in 90% of cases. Even if the cancer is already cured, management is still essential to ensure that the cancer cells do not come back. Managing it includes continuous visits to a dermatologist or skin care clinic for periodic skin screening. Skin cancer may affect one in five people at some point in their lives. But if detected and treated while it is still in its early age, most skin cancers are curable. Be vigilant and examine your skin for any changes or what could be considered a symptom of skin cancer.
