RapidGrowing Skin Cancers Show Common Characteristics

Rapid-Growing Skin Cancers Show Common Characteristics
By Ron Swerdfiger

Australian researchers have discovered that rapid-growing skin cancers show common characteristics.

Skin cancers or melanomas are more likely to grow and spread quickly if they are thicker, symmetrical, elevated and have regular borders or display certain symptoms, according to their study.

Wendy Liu from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Center in East Melbourne, Australia, with her colleagues, examined the melanoma growth rate of 222 male patients and 182 female patients with an average age of 54.

The participants had their skin closely examined by a dermatologist, and they were interviewed soon after diagnosis about when they first noticed the spot or spots on their skin.

The researchers relied on the tumours thickness at the time of removal to judge the rate of the cancers growth.

The study, appearing in the December issue of the Archives of Dermatology, found the fast-growing skin cancers were linked to:

Tumour thickness.

Formation of a break or sore in the skin.

Lack of pigment in the tumour.

Regular borders.

Elevation.

Symptoms.

They also noted that rapid-growing melanomas were more likely in people 70 years of age or older, in men in general, and in those with fewer moles and freckles.

We propose that this information on melanoma rate of growth be incorporated into education programs for patients and health professionals, the report said.

By identifying faster-growing melanomas, experts hope aggressive cancers can be diagnosed and treated quickly.

Death rates have been on the decline globally since public education campaigns were launched on detecting and treating slow-growing melanomas, contended Dr. Dan Lipsker of Clinique Dermatologique in France.

The challenge in the coming years will be to do the same work for fast-growing tumors, and the work by Dr. Liu et al is a first step in that direction, Lipsker wrote in the studys accompanying editorial.

For more Health News and other Breaking News, visit http://www.ecanadanow.com

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Skin Cancer Types Risks Symptoms And Treatment

Skin Cancer - Types, Risks, Symptoms And Treatment
By Michael Russell

Obviously, the topmost layers of the skin are the first to be affected; the three major types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma (rodent ulcer), squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, all develop in the upper layer of the skin known as the epidermis. Basal cell carcinoma, the most frequent of the three, causes local erosions of tissue if neglected, while squamous cell carcinoma may spread if untreated. Fortunately, both these types can be successfully treated in nearly all cases. Squamous cell carcinoma sometimes occurs on the vulva in women after menopause and may be more difficult to deal with.

Melanoma, the least common of the three, occurs more frequently in sunny countries. Although a certain amount of sun on the skin is beneficial because it forms vitamin D, too much is dangerous. The danger has increased now that high levels of ultraviolet A radiation are reaching the earth's surface from the sun due to depletion of the ozone layer by flurocarbon chemicals from widespread use of spray cans. Melanomas are the most serious of the three skin cancers, once it starts to grow, it can spread rapidly. If detected and treated early enough, melanomas may be cured in about 75 per cent of cases.

The lighter your skin and eye colour, the more easily you will sunburn and the more likely you are to develop skin cancer. This likelihood increases with exposure to sunlight over both short periods - sunbathing on the beach to a point of, say, blistering - and long periods - pursuing an occupation, such as farming, in which many activities take place outdoors. Even moderate sunbathing after summer increases the odds that you will get skin cancer. The damage to the cells accumulates over time, so that people in their middle or later years are more likely to develop the disease.

The simplest way to avoid skin cancer is to reduce the exposure of you skin to the sun's cancer causing rays. Protect you skin by limiting your time in the sun and wear full clothing, those parts of the skin that are still exposed apply a good quality sunscreen to. The chemical composition of sunscreens block most of the sun's harmful rays.

Basal and squamous cell cancers have similar symptoms, while melanomas have their own special set of warning signs. What all skin cancers have in common, however, is change. That is what you should be on the lookout for. Basal and squamous cell cancers may start out small, rough patches of skin that are redder or paler that the surrounding skin. They can also start as tiny lumps or as small sores that bleed easily and seem to heal very slowly or not at all. If left untreated these tiny spots will soon grow and spread to surrounding tissue. Melanoma usually indicates its presence by altering the colour or appearance of a mole. Since melanoma involves cells that produce brown or black pigments, you should be aware of changes in dark spots or patches or moles and be on the lookout for new moles, moles that bleed, or any dark spot, new or old that changes colour, shape or size. Melanomas can be cured if treated in its early stage; those that go untreated may spread to other parts of the body, where they may attack vital organs.

Since skin cancer grows on the surface of the body, the first step in diagnosing them involves visual examination by a dermatologist. An experienced dermatologist can often determine whether a growth on the skin is or is not cancerous just by looking at it. If he suspects skin cancer he will remove a small sample and send it to a laboratory for examination under a microscope. There a pathologist will determine if the cells are skin cancer forming cells. If the samples reveal skin cancer, the dermatologist will remove the growth in one of a number of ways. Certain pre-cancerous skin problems may be treated by the application of a skin lotion containing anticancer drugs. In the case of basal or squamous cell cancer at an early stage, doctors remove the growth either surgically with a knife or by freezing it with liquid nitrogen. Melanomas, which are potentially more dangerous, are nearly always removed surgically together with surrounding tissue. Remember if the melanoma spreads to other parts of the body, other kinds of treatment such as chemotherapy - may be required. Radiotherapy, unfortunately, does not seem to be effective in treating melanoma. The key to treat this type of skin cancer is early detection.

Michael RussellYour Independent guide to Skin Cancer

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What To Do When Your Spouse Is Diagnosed With Skin Cancer First 5 Things You Should Do

What To Do When Your Spouse Is Diagnosed With Skin Cancer - First 5 Things You Should Do
By Lynn Rosenberg

When you get a call, like I did, from your spouse telling you his dermatologists thinks he has melanoma, the first 5 things you should do are:

1. LISTEN

Your spouse will tell you everything you need to know initially. What the doctor thinks the stage is (Melanoma is gauged in stages 1,2,3,4). No one will know forsure without a biopsy, but they have a pretty good idea.

No matter what the stage, it will have an initial distressing effect. In my case,my husbands doctor thought it was Stage 4.

After you have the facts, there are things you yourself can do. Even if its a speck, melanoma is a very serious, sometimes life-threatening disease, so you will want to consider No. 2. If it is a disturbing diagnosis, you will definitely want togo to No. 2.

2. CALL ANYONE YOU KNOW WHO HAS HAD SKIN CANCER OR KNOWS SOMEONE WHO HAS HAD SKIN

CANCER

If your friend has experienced it first hand (in the family), you will get valuable answers to the question What do I do?

The answers I got ranged from the hospital where the individual got treatment, the doctor who oversaw the treatment, the opinion of that treatment, where else the person got treated, the doctor who oversaw that treatment the opinion of that treatment, and any cancer organizations and/or websites you can go to learn about this disease.

3. RESEARCH

This is the most important single task you will do. And you are just beginning.You want to learn everything you can learn, because you never know what you will find that may help.

American Cancer SocietyAAD (American Academy of Dermatology)Institutes of Health Skin Cancer

From one of these sources friends, cancer organizations, internet, you will find treatment centers near where you live.

4. AFTER THE DIAGNOSIS HAS BEEN CONFIRMED

At some point, youre going to join your spouse at the doctors office. At this point, you will ask for a recommended Oncologist (preferably an expert in skinCancer, but not absolutely necessary).

After a course of action has been suggested, immediately find another top

medical center and doctor for a Second Opinion. And there is nothing in the

world wrong with getting a third.

Your spouse and you consider options. Sometimes there will be more

than one option. This can be extremely anxiety provoking. There is no easy

way to deal with this. You can pray, you can ask advice, but ultimately you and

your spouse (or if your spouse is comfortable, hell make his own decision) will

have to come to a decision.

No matter which way you go, who decides what, sometimes there is no sure

answer.

5. AFTER THE TREATMENT

As long as theres another day of life, and when life is at stake, you must continue researching. Researching will be your best friend.

And if you dont like the way your doctor is handling things, or maybe hes not showing enough interest with your spouses questions, or your questions, or what to do next, or anything that doesnt feel right to you, get another doctor!

Difficult as it is, we changed doctors 3 or more times. His second dermatologistoverlooked missed something so staggeringly major, I almost fainted when I discovered it. At least ten serious actions came to my mind regarding that doctor, but time and energy was needing for taking the next step.

I honestly dont remember through what source the paper, a person, a friend, told me about a doctor back east who, when appropriate, imported a drug from France that was going through trials that matched my husbands circumstances.The doctor back east studied our case, and agreed to send the drug.

In the end, I lost my husband to the disease. And we dont know for sure that the

drug from France helped, but we think it gave him 3 more years.

LYNN ROSE is the founder of Soleil Chic UV Umbrellas. After a long career as a pianist-vocalist-composer and award-winning screenwriter, Lynn changed her career after losing her husband to malignant melanoma. SOLEIL CHIC umbrellas have been seen on THE TODAY SHOW as well as in the hands of celebrities like Cate Blanchett. Soleil Chic umbrellas are endorsed by top doctors including a dermatologist, rheumatologist, plastic surgeon and professor of anatomy and neurobiology. The Mayo Clinc recommends Lynn Rose's umbrellas as well. Top resort/spas such as the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas, and The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui, carry her products. Soleil Chic's worldwide customer base continues to increase every day.

Visit the website @ http://www.soleilchic.com

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Modifying Cells to Fight Skin Cancer?

Modifying Cells to Fight Skin Cancer?
By Lance Winslow

Some scientists are making headway in the fight against skin cancer in Germany where they modified blood cells to use to attack tumor cells and wiped out the cancer in two male patients with advanced melanoma. Come again you did what? That is what they are saying, could it be true? Well, no one knows for sure yet, but if they figure out a way to make it work in all patients this could be a massive break thru indeed. Could this be the break thru that gene therapists have been longing for to fight cancer? Maybe some say.

Nevertheless this is good news, unfortunately there were 15 patients and only two were cured, but the two who were cured were Totally cured, completely as in 100% cured. Wow. Perhaps they will figure out why it works how it works and it what ratio it works so they can help everyone with advanced Melanoma?

If they can perfect this it might be used to fight advanced breast cancer, colon cancer and other common cancers, which put patients in terminal situations? Of course this also has application in life longevity efforts and other diseases like heart disease too. Melanoma does kill almost 10,000 people a year in the United States so this is a wonderful break thru and scientists are working to figure it all out. Consider this in 2006.

Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance in the Online Think Tank and solve the problems of the World; www.WorldThinkTank.net/

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Melanoma: Otherwise Known As Skin Cancer

Melanoma: Otherwise Known As Skin Cancer
By Michael Russell

Melanoma is the most common form of skin cancer and skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the Western world. It begins in skin cells called melanocytes.

Melanocytes are found under the skin, which is made up of two layers: the epidermis on the outside and the dermis below that. To be accurate, melanocytes are found in the lowest levels of the epidermis, but not actually in the dermis. These cells produce melanin, which affects the epidermis' pigmentation, both natural skin colour and because of exposure to the sun as in tanning.

Sometimes, a group of near-by melanocytes combine with a little local tissue to form a mole (also known as a nevus; plural nevi). The average person has between ten and forty moles, which usually appear before the fortieth birthday. They often fade or disappear with age. Moles are non-malignant (non-cancerous) and can be flat or raised in shape and almost any colour. Usually, they are slightly darker than one's natural skin colour. Dark skinned people tend to have more moles.

Cancer begins in cells where the normal cycle of decay and replacement by regeneration has been disrupted. In these circumstances, cells do not always die when they should and new cells are produced needlessly. This, in turn, produces a growth (also known as a tumor), which can be either benign or malignant (ie cancerous or non-cancerous).

Benign tumors can be surgically removed and rarely return. They do not spread or affect surrounding tissue. Malignant tumors are cancerous and can affect surrounding tissue and organs. In these cases, cancerous cells can break away from the primary tumor and affect other organs or enter the blood stream (lymphatic system), whereby it will spread to their parts of the body (metastasis) very quickly. The rate of metastasis is a deciding factor in how a doctor treats cancer.

Melanoma occurs when melanocytes become malignant. It can occur at any age, but chances increase with age. Fair-skinned people are more likely to develop it than dark-skinned people. In fair-skinned races, men tend to get it on the torso and neck, whereas women get it on their calves (lower legs). Dark-skinned people rarely get melanoma, but if they do, it is usually under the finger and toe nails or on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands. When cancerous cells from melanoma enter the lymphatic system and affect other organs, it is still attributed to melanoma. For example, if the liver becomes affected by cancerous cells from melanoma, it is referred to as metastatic melanoma, not liver cancer.

Often, the first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, colour, or feel of an existing mole, although it often first manifests itself with a new mole or moles. Self-diagnosis is not to be relied on - always seek professional advice if you have any concerns relating to your skin. However, it is wise to remember 'The ABCD of Melanoma', which goes thus:

Asymmetry: the shape of one half of the mole is not the same as the other half.

Border: the border or edges of the mole are not clearly defined; a bit ragged or the pigmentation 'leaks' into the surrounding skin.

Colouration: the mole is not uniformly of one colour, although it is not so important what that colour is.

Diameter: there is a change in size or a new mole grows larger than 5mm in size.

Michael RussellYour Independent guide to Skin Cancer

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Photodynamic Therapy for Skin Cancer

Photodynamic Therapy for Skin Cancer
By Skip Freedman

There will be nearly 11,000 deaths from skin cancer in 2006 about 8,000 from melanoma and 3,000 from other skin cancers, says the American Cancer Society.

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers and accounts for almost half of all cancers in the United States. There are two types of skin cancer, nonmelanoma and melanoma.

U.S. doctors find more than 1 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer, usually in a patients basal cells or squamous cells. Exposing skin the face, ear, neck, lips, and the backs of the hands to the sun causes most nonmelanoma skin cancer. While they can grow fast or slow, they rarely spread to other parts of the body.

The second kind, melanoma does spread to other areas of the body making it more dangerous. It accounts for just a small percentage of skin cancer, but it causes most skin cancer deaths. Melanoma is a cancer that begins in the pigment cells that produce the skin coloring (melanin) which helps protect deeper layers of the skin from the suns harmful rays. Detected early, melanoma is almost always curable.

Photodynamic therapy

Both nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancers respond to photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatment for skin cancer that combines a light source and a photosensitizing agent (a drug that is activated by light) to destroy cancer cells. Its sometimes called photoradiation therapy, phototherapy or photochemotherapy and is useful when there are several lesions on the skin or scalp.

A photosensitizing agent, for example fluorouracil, spread on the skin makes PDT work, because the agent collects more readily in cancer cells than in normal cells. Exposing the agent to light makes it react with oxygen to create chemicals that can kill a skin cancer cell. However, the approved light sources can only penetrate a limited depth of tissue; therefore doctors mainly use PDT to treat areas on or just under the skin. Its less effective for treating large tumors, because the light cannot pass deep into the tumors. Because its a localized treatment, doctors dont use PDT to treat skin cancer that has metastasized.

Doctors sometimes use PDT in precancerous treatments. It usually needs pre-approval by a healthcare provider. Just because the treatment is in the facial area, case managers shouldnt assume its a cosmetic treatment. Check to see the patients age, if the patient is over 60 years old, the case is probably not cosmetic. Also, look at the chart to see if there are multiple lesions on the skin or scalp, usually three or more.

About AllMed Healthcare Management

Founded in 1995, AllMed is a URAC-accredited Independent Review Organization (IRO) serving insurance payers, providers, TPAs and claims managers nationwide. Reviews are conducted by board-certified physicians in active practice. AllMed's growing customer base for its independent medical review and hospital peer review services includes premier organizations, such as Educator's Mutual Life, IMS Managed Care, Tenet Healthcare Corporation, HealthGuard, several Blue Cross Blue Shield organizations, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, Allianz and many other leading healthcare payers. Read the AllMed Medical News Blog and the Independent Review Organization Blog.

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Skin Cancer Prevention How Can I Live an Active Lifestyle and Still Protect Myself from Skin Cance

Skin Cancer Prevention - How Can I Live an Active Lifestyle and Still Protect Myself from Skin Cance
By Colleen Moriarty

With all we know now about the damage that the sun can cause, you may feel as though you need to hide under an umbrella all summer. And no wonder: Exposure to the suns UVA radiation promotes irregular pigment, fine lines, wrinkles, rough texture, and thin and dry skin. UVB radiation burns as well as tans. And it can lead to skin cancer, of which there are a million new cases every year. But dont fret: You can play outside safely. Proper sun protection will save your skin as well as your life, says dermatologist Sandra Read, M.D. Try these sun-smart strategies:

Pick a number. Anything less than SPF 15 isnt worthwhile, says Dr. Read. Go for an SPF of at least 30.

Choose wisely. The SPF in your makeup may be fine when youre spending most of the day at the office, but if youre exercising outdoors or splashing in the pool, opt for a waterproof sunscreen.

Read labels. Some skin savers: benzophenones (oxybenzone), sulisobenzone, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and Parsol 1789. And last year, the FDA approved the UVA blocker ecamsule (brand name, Mexoryl).

Seek shade. Avoid direct sunespecially between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M.and wear a wide-brim hat.

Consider sun-protective clothing. A regular cotton T-shirt offers an SPF of just 5, but tightly woven UV fabrics can block out more than 97 percent of UV rays. Also available, notes Dr. Read: Rit SunGuard, a clothing rinse with a special ingredient that effectively scatters UV light.

Dont forget your lips and eyes. Use lip balms and lipsticks that contain SPF, and choose sunglasses with UV-protective lenses.

About our expert: Sandra Read, M.D., is an instructor in the dermatology department of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

Sparkling Beauty This summer, add some bling to your makeup routine. The colors for this season are beautiful metallic shades, says makeup artist Mally Roncal. To create your own luminous look:

1. Keep foundation soft and sheer. I love powder foundation in summer, says Roncal. Its sheer and helps fight oil and shine.

2. To help set your eye shadow, start with eye shadow base. Then apply sheer metallic shadow from lash line to crease. Choose a liner with a bit of sparkle; dust with translucent powder.

3. Apply blush to the apples of the cheeks in a circular motion, then swipe shimmery powder across cheekbones.

4. Slick on lip gloss! Use a sheer invisible lip liner, or a natural liner that matches your lip tone, to keep gloss in place.

5. Polish nails to perfection with a cool, icy shade. This summer, polishes are washes of shimmery pastel delightthink Italian ices, says Robert Cleary, director of product development for Dashing Diva. Follow these skincare- and makeup tips, and youll not only prevent skin cancer, but look and feel great all summer long!

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Colleen Moriarty is a writer for MediZine, LLC. Robert A. Barnett is Content Director of HealthyUpdates.com, a health education website produced by MediZine, LLC.

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What You Need to Know About Skin Cancer Prevention

What You Need to Know About Skin Cancer Prevention
By Mike Selvon

Skin cancer prevention is preached by medical professionals all over the United States. This is no surprise given that the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation reported more than one million Americans were diagnosed with some form of skin cancer in 2005. Despite the medical evidence available on skin cancer, our society remains focused on tanning beds and sunbathing without using the proper protection.

Skin cancer comes in two forms, melanomas and non-melanomas. Melanomas usually account for only four percent of diagnosed skin cancers, but they are considered to be the most deadly. Melanomas occur in the epidermis, the skin's outer layer, usually appearing as a dark mole with uneven edges.

If detected early through skin cancer prevention, melanomas can be eliminated without causing harm. If ignored, these cancers can break away and spread to other parts of the body. Non-melanomas, on the other hand, are comprised of two different cell types, basal cells and squamous cells. Both of these cells are caused from sun exposure, but basal cells form in the lower epidermis while squamous cells form in the upper epidermis.

Preventing skin cancer is often associated with older generations, but today you see more teenagers and young adults spending excessive amounts of time in the sun. Without the proper protection, our society could see a surge in skin cancer diagnosis. Tanning beds are another cause of skin cancer and are often used throughout the year, not just during the summer months.

Proper prevention begins with knowing what you need to be sun safe any time of the year. If you have light colored hair and fair skin, you should be weary of exposing yourself to over indulge in the sun's rays. You should also be aware if anyone in your family has been diagnosed with skin cancer because this could increase your chances of developing the disease.

Sunscreen is recommended as a form of protection against the sun. The American Cancer Society urges the use of waterproof sunscreen that has an SPF15 or more of both UVA and UVB protection. You should also apply at least an ounce of sunscreen for your body twenty minutes before going out into the sun.

Too often, individuals forget to re-apply their sunscreen after being exposed to harmful UVA and UVB rays. Also be sure to avoid the sun during 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. because this is when the sun's rays are most intense. Staying unprotected in the sun during this time is when you put yourself in the danger zone for damaging healthy skin cells.

Proper skin cancer prevention should be practiced by everyone in your family, even babies. Doctors recommend babies that are six months or younger stay out of the sun. Teaching your children to be sun smart is important for their health too.

Find shady areas when you take them outside to play and be sure they have the proper protection on. Clothing is another way to protect yourself and your family from harmful rays. Wear hats that have wide brims to cover all areas of your neck, ears, eyes and scalp.

Skin cancer prevention does not mean you have to avoid the sun altogether. It just means you should be smart when you do go outside. Remembering to use a protective sunscreen all year is a great way to start your cancer prevention routine.

Know your skin and any marks or freckles so you can recognize abnormalities that may develop. The sooner you start guarding yourself from harmful rays, the better you raise your chance of avoiding skin cancer.

Visit Mike Selvon cancer prevention portal for more information on skin cancer prevention, and leave a comment at our cancer prevention blog. Don't forget to claim your FREE self help ebook on dealing with cancer.

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Melanoma Skin Cancer An Overview

Melanoma Skin Cancer An Overview
By John Grimes

Skin cancer is a term used to identify cancerous cell growth on the epidermis of a person, but it really breaks down into three types. Melanoma skin cancer is by far the most deadly one.

When people discuss skin cancer, they are really talking about a general term that applies to cancerous problems with the skin. There are actually three subcategories of skin cancer basal, squamous and melanoma. Melanoma is by far the deadliest.

Melanoma skin cancer is a malignant form of cancer. It occurs when cells that color the skin become cancerous. These cells are called melanocytes. Melanocytes are generally found in the lower layers of the epidermis. When you go out in the sun, the body reacts to protect itself by having melanocytes produce pigment to color the skin. In practical terms, this is what happens when you get a sunburn or tan.

Melanoma occurs due to a number of factors. The most common is when the DNA in the melanocytes is altered by UV radiation found in sunlight. While the damage is usually found on the skin, it can also occur in the eyes. On men, melanoma usually presents in the skin from the shoulders to the hips. With women, the disease tends to present on the arms and legs. A vast majority of reported cases involve adults, but kids can be unfortunate enough to suffer from it.

When evaluating melanoma, it is important to understand there are some defined risk factors. They include subjects such as unusual moles, exposure to the sun, tanning booth UV exposure, a family history of melanoma, red or blond hair, blue eyes, white or light colored skin. While these are common risk factors, there absence does not mean you are risk free.

Once discovered, the treatment for melanoma is highly dependent on the extent of the problem. Melanoma present only in the skin can be treated successfully in many different ways. Melanoma, however, can spread through the body. If it has spread to the lymph nodes, the risk of a terminal diagnosis goes up dramatically. Treatment courses will then be far more aggressive with the outcome dependent upon your specific situation.

Melanoma is undoubtedly the worst form of skin cancer. If discovered early enough, it can be treated. If you are concerned at all that you might have a problem, see a medical professional as soon as possible.

John Grimes is with AllTerrainco.com - makers of natural sun protection products.

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Malignant Melanoma a Horrible Skin Cancer

Malignant Melanoma a Horrible Skin Cancer
By Michele Rogers

Melanoma. The word does not sound like a skin cancer, but yet is the most common among blue eyed blonde individuals. This cancer can leave people looking like they have been attacked. Some have areas of skin gone and they look textured, this all from a skin graft.

Many of us tan in the sun and tan in the tanning salons, we should take into consideration the damage it can do to the body. With the ozone layer thinner in areas it is wise for us to think of protecting our skin. Melanoma being the worse of skin cancers can lead to death. While we bake in the sun, we expose moles to the poison of the suns rays and it can strike cancer into an unlikely mole.

Moles that are variegated in color or black and unsymmetrical should be checked frequently for change by a dermatologist. If there are areas of your back that you cannot see, then go and get it checked by a roommate or a friend. Checking your moles and skins texture frequently can cut down your chances of a severe cancer appearing.

While in the sun, take precaution. There are many sunscreens out there to choose from. Apply to all parts that are exposed to sun. Take precaution on moles. If you have a mole that has been diagnosed with cancer, or has not been removed yet, then cover with a band aid.

The sun is not a friendly sole. It can burn you and give you cancer. Not going out is an answer too. However in this day and age, we have sports, place we go, our lives are filled with being busy. Take precaution and know that you will be safe!

Author is Michele Rogers, owner of http://www.lilyputts.com Lilyputts Gift Baskets , an online gift basket retailer. Also hosted is a http://www.lilyputts.blogspot.com BLOG that reviews gifts and welcomes other comments as well. Please visit Lilyputts Gift Baskets for descriptions and product presentations. Please, if you use any portion herein be sure to email author first.

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Is the Sun Really Responsible for Skin Cancer?

Is the Sun Really Responsible for Skin Cancer?
By Anitta Viali

I remember about 20 years ago, all the commercials were praising Coppertone for helping to get sun tan. Now we have gone in another extreme: sun all of a sudden has become an enemy and we all need protection, otherwise we get skin cancer. People are spending billions on buying sun blockers. Let us see, what is the evidence that sun causes skin cancer. As usual, there are some statistics to support it: Southern states have more cases than Northern, white people more often have skin cancer than blacks.

On the other hand, skin cancer often appears on the parts of body, which are never exposed to sun. Less than 10,000 people die from skin cancer in US each year. To place this in proper perspective, people in United States are 10 times more likely to be killed in a hospital due to a medical error or twice as likely to be shot to death by a gun. People are now spending billions on the so-called sun-blockers, trying to save themselves from something, which does not threaten them at all: out of 300 sun-baders, 299 never get skin cancer.

If the sun was really responsible for skin cancer, should not the number be much greater? Last, but not least: if sun were the cause of skin cancer, introduction of sun-blockers would have significantly reduced the cases of skin cancer. It did not.

Anitta Viali is a freelance writer interested in items such as maintaining a healthy skin, and removal solutions for wrinkles and dark eye circles

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Is it Skin Disease? Could it be Cancer?

Is it Skin Disease? Could it be Cancer?
By Anne Clarke

Here is a brief algorithm for diagnosis you can refer to, before speaking with your physician or dermatologist:

I home this will help to be a guide that will help determine what kinds of lesions may be of concern, and what signs your dermatologist will be looking for.

Some lesions you may find on your epidermis will turn out not to be skin cancer, but regardless, they can still be of concern. Though perhaps not the worst thing that could happen to your skin, certain kinds of diagnosis can be very important to attend to right away.

If then character of your skin legion is brown or black, it is likely a kind of Pigmented BBC. These legions are mostly nodular and can be totally pigmented or appear in fractions of pigment. Again, as with any skin legion, you will want to consult your doctor as soon as possible. There are many other possibilities as to what this kind of legion could be other than skin cancer.

One way to diagnose your skin disease is by the appearance of it. If the legion you find is scar-like, it likely falls under the category of Sclerotic BBC. The characteristics of these particular legions are that they appear flat or even depressed, if the border of the legion is not well defined, or if the legion appears shinylike a scar. However, something like this could just be a traumatic scar and not skin cancer at all.

If you legion is yellowish it may be what is called a Nodular BBCthe majority of these legions will be found on the face. Sometimes they are more pearly colored, they may have a rolled edge, stretching the skin will help you see the legion better, these legions are slow-growing and are almost always on the face. However, there are several other kinds of skin disease that could have similar appearance that is why it is recommended that you always consult your doctor when you find a legion on your skin.

A reddish colored legion on the skin could possibly be Superficial BBC. The legion may have a fine scale, will appear perhaps with a thin, beaded pearly boarder surrounding it, these legions tend to have atropic centers. Depending on if the legion is scaly or smooth, the legion could be one of many different types of skin disease.

As with any cancer, if the illness is identified soon enough, it is more effectively treatablethe same goes for other kinds of skin disease. So you do not want to put off diagnosis or the necessary treatment.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, health care and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on skin care please visit Skin Care.

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The Skinny on Skin Cancer

The Skinny on Skin Cancer
By John Grimes

While no form of cancer is a laughing matter, some forms are often considered less dangerous by most people. Skin cancer is one such form that seems somewhat innocuous, but is actually very dangerous.

The Shinny on Skin Cancer

Any way you cut it, cancer is a scary thing. Next to AIDS, cancer is just about the last thing you want to hear when you are at the doctors office. Although medical research has come a long way when it comes to treating many forms of cancer, it is still a horrific diagnosis. Throw in the fact that chemotherapy treatment is brutal to undergo, and you have a deadly disease with as nearly a deadly treatment.

As you probably know by now, there are many different forms of cancer. Some are slow growing and treatable, while others prove to be terminal in nearly every case. This leads many to consider some cancers more serious than others. In truth, all cancers are serious and some of the ones that people brush off as not serious can kill you. Skin cancer is one such form.

So, what is skin cancer? A simple description is the abnormal growth of cells on your skin. It tends to be categorized in three ways melanoma, basal and squamous. Anyone can get skin cancer, but individuals with fair skin tend to be more susceptible. Dark tans or naturally dark skin do not protect you against skin cancer a common misconception.

Of the three types of skin cancer, melanoma is the most aggressive and deadly. Fortunately, it is also the rarest of the three. Melanoma is usually considered to be associated with moles, but not always. The association is often made because melanoma often is found with collections of melanocytes, cells that produce the black pigment found in moles. To the naked eye, it can be difficult to tell the difference between moles and melanoma. If you have moles, and most people do, the key is to watch for any changes to the moles such as expansion, bleeding or itching. If melanoma is not treated early, it can spread to your lymph nodes and then the rest of the body.

Basal cell and squamous skin cancer are more common, but far less deadly. Basal tends to stick to the impacted area of the skin and not spread to the internal body. It should be treated, but is rarely considered a terminal situation. Squamous is a less common than Basal, but packs more of a punch. Although it can spread, it tends to appear as red, open sores when it does. Unless you completely fail to use common sense by seeing a doctor at some point, it rarely makes it to a terminal state.

Unlike many forms of cancer, skin cancer is preventable if you use common sense. If you are going to be outside in the sun for a significant time, wear sun block with a SPF 15 rating or better. Avoid tanning booths, which can cause the same damage as the sun. If you have moles, check them once a month in the mirror for any noticeable changes, bleeding. If a mole starts to itch, it is time to make an appointment with a dermatologist.

John Grimes is with All Terrain - makers of natural sun protection products for the outdoors.

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How Do You Know If Your Skin Cancer Is Potentially Fatal?

How Do You Know If Your Skin Cancer Is Potentially Fatal?
By Louise Forrest

Technically speaking, all skin cancer is potentially lethal if not treated. However, there are more serious forms of the condition, though they are a lot rarer.

Mycosis Fungoides

Mycosis Fungoides is an extremely rare form of skin cancer and it tends to affect twice as many men as it does women. Many people assume that it is an innocent fungal infection when they first hear the name; however it is in fact a much more sinister condition which is a type of cutaneous T cell Lymphoma.

Generally a cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma is an uncontrollable growth within the skin of the T cells within the body. Whilst most people do not notice any change to their daily life once they do have Mycosis Fungoides, it still does need to be treated as soon as possible.

Who Mycosis Fungoides affects the Most and what causes it:

Mycosis Fungoides seems to affect black skinned people more than fair skinned people, and as mentioned earlier, it tends to affect men more than women.

Whilst it is possible for the condition to strike at any age, it does seem to affect older people generally over the age of fifty. Why the condition appears is currently unknown but you definitely cannot pass it on to anybody else. The condition is also not hereditary and the symptoms do tend to vary from person to person.

Itching seems to be the most common form of symptom in most people, and the condition itself seems to appear in various stages. During its early stages, the skin will develop small patches of redness, though in darker skins the patches may simply just look darker than usual.

The patches are generally extremely itchy and you may notice that some patches are raised from the skin. They tend to appear mainly on the buttocks, under the arms, on the hips and on the chest.

The second stage usually includes skin tumors. The color of the lumps seems to now be a violet color and they are also raised. They are sometimes ulcerated, though that does not happen all the time.

Next is the redness stage where as well as skin patches and raised lumps, large sections of the skin also turn red. These areas of the skin also tend to be really itchy and they often look quite scaly too. You may also notice that the folds of skin on your face and in the palms of your hands become quite thick and they could even crack.

Finally, if not treated, the condition tends to spread to other parts of the body and usually the first parts of the body to be affected are the lymph nodes.

These then become inflamed and at this stage they can become cancerous. If they are cancerous, the condition can spread to the liver, the lungs and even the bone marrow.

Usually, it takes around six years to diagnose Mycosis Fungoides from the start of the symptoms appearing. This can make it difficult to treat early and as mentioned, people generally do not know they have the condition and so their normal lives are usually not disrupted.

It is extremely common to confuse the condition with other conditions and usually in order to fully diagnose this condition; a skin sample will need to be taken.

Usually if caught early, steroid creams can be used to clear up the condition, though if it is cancerous, chemotherapy may need to be used. As rare as it is, Mycosis Fungoides does occur in some people and it does take an extremely long time to realize that you actually have it.

It usually does not turn out to be fatal, but if it is left untreated for an extremely long length of time from diagnosis, it can unfortunately lead to death.

Any type of skin cancer is potentially dangerous, you just have to catch it early enough and look out for any symptoms whatsoever that give the condition away.

Keep YOURSELF looking and feeling great with these great FREEBeauty Tips from http://www.NaturalElements.co.uk In just seconds you can access over 36 beauty topics that will keep you looking younger and more radiant.You can now get the very latest information on Organic Skin Care by subscribing with RSS.

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Five Kinds of Skin Cancer

Five Kinds of Skin Cancer
By Ron Keegan

Learn self-examination of skin cancer, as a way to protect yourself, that is easy and costs you nothing more than a few minutes of your time once every few months.

It's really a good idea to probe a little deeper into the subject of skin cancer. What you learn may give you the confidence you need to spot, the first signs of skin cancer.

There are five different kinds of skin cancer. All of them are dangerous though some are to be worried about more than others. The most common type of skin cancer is Basal cell carcinoma with over a million Americans developing this cancer each year.

Seventy five percent of all skin cancers treated are of this variety. This type of skin cancer is believed by physicians to be caused by a person spending too much time in the sun. Which is why this type of skin cancers tends to be found ion the more common places on the body that has sun exposure. This includes the face, scalp, and upper torso.

Although they have more than one form basal cell carcinoma often begins like a shiny bump. It takes the form of a sore that does not heal or that heals and then becomes unhealthy looking once again. These are slow growing; rarely spreading to other parts of the body but still must be attended to quickly.

At least two hundred thousand Americans yearly are treated for Squamous cell carcinoma, this is the second most common and accounts for twenty percent of the cases of skin cancer. This one is also blamed on too much sun but is more common among middle aged and the elderly.

They first appear as a crusty spot, but one with that appears reddened and irritated looking and does look very much like a small growth or boil. If you notice something that looks like this go immediately to your health care provider as Squamous cell carcinoma can spread to other parts of your body.

The next in line is the most dangerous of the skin cancers. That one is Melanoma and it affects four percent of those who are treated for skin cancers. It is considered the most dangerous because it is the most lethal.

Although if found early the cure rate is a stunning ninety five percent effective. But once it begins its spread there is very little hope. So if you see changes to a mole or a new mole, especially if you are over thirty, see your health care provider immediately.

The remaining one percent if divided between Paget,s disease and Kaposi,s sarcoma. Paget,s occurs because of cancers in the sweat glands of the intestines, genitals or urinary tract and so the cancer shows up in the genital area or around the anus.

It can also come out around the nipples because of cancer of the milk ducts though both men and women can have this problem. The sores look a like normal patchy skin, rashes, and can be very itchy or even painful. A biopsy is usually needed to determine if its just a skin condition or its Paget,s. Kaposi,s sarcoma is an AIDS related skin cancer related to herpes.

For more skin cancer information visit signs of skin cancer

Ron Keegan is a successful Webmaster and publisher of ArticleBankOnline.com a Health Directory with up to date information on health issues. http://www.ArticleBankOnline.com

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Do You Know About These Skin Cancer Risks And Prevention?

Do You Know About These Skin Cancer Risks And Prevention?
By Candice Sabrina

Although it is not the deadliest form of cancer, skin cancer has earned the notorious label of being the most common type of cancer suffered by those in the United States. With this statistic, it makes sense to want to learn as much as possible about how to prevent skin cancer. Which groups of people are most likely to get skin cancer? What can we do to make ourselves less susceptible to this disorder?

Studies have shown that some skin types are more prone to the damaging effects of the sun and its ultraviolet rays. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, there are six different skin types. They are ranked in progressive order with skin type one being the most vulnerable to sun damage while skin type six is least vulnerable. However, even those who are not as vulnerable to skin damage from the sun should still take precautionary steps to protect themselves from harmful UV rays.

Here are descriptions of the six skin types. Type one consists of extremely fair skinned people. People with this skin type tend to burn severely and do not tan. They generally have blonde or red hair and blue or green eyes. For those with type two skin, their skin is also fair and burns easily but they will eventually develop a little bit of a tan. The eyes and hair of these people are generally a bit darker than those with skin type one.

People with skin type three have darker skin which may burn, but will turn to tan. Those with even darker skin that always tans quickly make up skin type four. Skin type five contains those with brown skin while type six includes those with black skin.

Now that you have an idea how likely you may be to develop skin cancer, there are some precautions you can take to reduce your risks. The best thing you can do for your skin is to protect it from the suns harmful UV rays. This includes staying out of tanning beds.

If you are out in the sun, even just long enough to take a walk or work in the yard; be sure to put on sunscreen. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. You should also wear a hat with a wide brim to give the skin on your face and neck extra protection from the sun.

Every thirty days or so, you should check the entire surface of your skin for any changes or new growths. These may be signs that skin cancer is developing. If you find anything unusual, bring it to your doctor's attention as soon as possible.

The type of skin that you have may increase your risk for skin cancer. This is especially so if you have fair skin that burns easily. One of the best ways to avoid skin cancer is to stay out of the sun, or at least protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays if you must be outside. You should also check your skin regularly for new growths or irregularities that might indicate the formation of skin cancer.

For more information on cancer try visiting http://www.cancercondition.com - a website that specializes in providing cancer related information and resources including information on skin cancer

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Dark Green Leafy Vegetables And Dark Red Fruits Help Prevent Skin Cancer

Dark Green Leafy Vegetables And Dark Red Fruits Help Prevent Skin Cancer
By Anitta Viali

According to recent statistics the rising incidence of skin cancer is one of the main problems in United States. Considering that this condition appears to be becoming an epidemic, very critical is to develop new approaches to primary and secondary prevention. As consequences we can see many studies exploring the therapeutic value of natural ingredients and researches suggest that common fruit and vegetables extracts may have an important clinical benefits in lowering risk for skin cancer.

It is well-known that fruits and vegetables contain a variety of minerals and vitamins and other bioactive substances that include lutein, flavonoids, folic acid, vitamins C and E, and fiber. The folic acid has a key role in repair and synthesis of DNA, and all dark green leafy vegetables are very rich in it. So, new findings show with no doubt that higher intakes of green leafy vegetables may help prevent Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) tumors among patients who have prior skin cancers.

Another new finding is that pigment that gives certain fruits their dark red colors has an antioxidant activity higher than that of green tea and red wine. Researchers evaluated that pomegranate fruit extract (PFE) is capable of inhibiting conventional as well as new biomarkers of TPA-induced tumors and they may have chemopreventive action in a wide category of tumor models.

Anitta Viali is a freelance writer interested in issues such as a skin formula to avoid diseases.

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Could A Common Hair Loss Drug Be Masking The Presence Of Prostate Cancer?

Could A Common Hair Loss Drug Be Masking The Presence Of Prostate Cancer?
By Donald Saunders

The problems of both an enlarged prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and prostate cancer typically begin to appear in men in their forties and fifties, with instances increasing with age, and one common method of detecting the presence of a prostate problem is the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test.

The prostate gland produces a specific protein, the presence of which can be detected in the blood through the PSA test, and with a normal and healthy prostate the level of this protein found in the blood is quite low. However, both an enlarged prostate gland and prostate cancer result in raised levels of PSA alerting doctors to the presence of a developing problem and signaling the need for further investigation and possibly treatment.

In the case of an enlarged prostate gland one commonly used treatment is that of the administration of the drug finasteride which targets an enzyme within the prostate gland which, together with testosterone, is key to the growth of the gland.

Although prostate problems are common in men in their forties, fifties and beyond they are not the only problems that men of this age suffer and another very common problem is that of hair loss. Many years ago men simply accepted this as part of the ageing process but today a rapidly growing number of men are choosing to attack the problem of hair loss, either through the use of various hair restorers or tonics, drug therapy or surgery.

One frequently used hair loss drug is Propecia, which it is currently estimated is being used by well over one million American men, and unfortunately the use of this hair loss treatment may well be masking the fact that some of these men may also be developing either an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer. The problem here lies simply in the fact that Propecia contains finasteride.

In a recent study a group of men between the ages of forty and sixty who were suffering from male pattern baldness were given either Propecia or a placebo and their PSA levels were then monitored. The study found that PSA levels dropped by as much as 40 percent for men in their forties and 50 percent for men in their fifties when they were given Propecia, while levels in those men receiving the placebo rose by an average of 13 percent.

With prostate cancer killing many thousands of men every year and representing the second most common form of cancer in the Unites States today (second only to skin cancer), the importance of regular prostate screening for men in their forties and fifties in undoubted. However, if you are taking any form of medication including simple over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements or indeed anything else, then you must tell your doctor.

It might seem insignificant and irrelevant to tell your doctor that you are taking Propecia to stave off baldness but, without this knowledge, your doctor could well give you the all clear for prostate cancer when in fact the signs are there but are simply being masked by your hair loss treatment.

ProstateCancerExplained.com provides information on a variety of different prostate gland problems including an enlarged prostate gland, prostate symptoms, prostate surgery and finding a prostate cancer cure.

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Choose Tea As Your Ally Against Skin Cancer

Choose Tea As Your Ally Against Skin Cancer
By Michael Russell

It was a great summer. What fun it was ripping and running on the beach. It was perfect and memorable, but you definitely spent too much time in the sun. Even though you use the best and most doctor recommended SPF protection there is on the market you're still not at peace about being in the sun. In fact you're a bit paranoid about it. You keep having that little nagging thought, the one about your family's skin cancer historical track record. You're not that nave. It really could happen to you. Are you in search of more ways to protect yourself against skin cancer? Believe it or not drinking tea could give you that extra edge of protection against skin cancer.

That's right. Specific teas can actually provide an armor-like protection for your skin. They act as a barrier against the sun's harmful rays that commonly occur during overexposure, which can destroy the cells that promote skin health. When skin cells are destroyed they automatically affect the general overall health of the skin. Those powerful rays can literally break down defenses that not only protect the skin from cancer causing substances and environmental toxins but also weaken the remaining cell's ability to keep the skin supple and youthful. It just about puts the skin's safeguard operations at a stand still so serious is this breakdown and destruction of cells. That would explain why you see some 30, 40 and 50-year-old women sporting more wrinkles than they should. The Overexposure to the sun undoubtedly has a high and unrecoverable cost. Here's a strong warning to young women.

Tea, black and green teas specifically have been studied for their effectiveness in skin protection and were surprisingly found to be quite the avant-garde when it comes to being a barrier against skin cancer. If you have a preference of one tea over the other, know that although both are powerful, some different tests have shown that black tea packs a bigger punch to the cancer enemy we're trying to fight against. Black tea has many more antioxidants than green, but drink them both for varied good protection. Educate yourself about the different teas because they are not all the same in their benefits. In another study teas containing bergamot oil, such as the popular Earl Grey tea, instead of protecting the skin were found to make the skin more susceptible to the sun's damaging rays. That's quite a disappointment to Earl Grey tea lovers, but far better to know this than not.

Another surprising protection afforded by the tea is in the temperature and the strength at which it is enjoyed. If you drink it very hot and very strong, you are helping yourself to some lower chances of developing skin cancer. And make sure it has some caffeine in it. Apparently tests show that caffeine is an important ingredient in tea as a protective ally against the sun. Teas tested without caffeine had no measurable protective effect at all. Caffeine or no caffeine; you will have to decide. You know the odds.

Here's one last helpful tip you might find interesting. Don't waste that tea at the bottom of the cup. Why? It has also been found to be effective if you rub it on your skin. No joking here. Green tea especially is increasingly being added to many skin care product formulations because it really does provide a safeguard to your skin. There you have it, another out of the ordinary but powerful ally against skin cancer.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Skin Cancer

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Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer
By Karen Lavender

Skin cancer is another common type of cancer. As the name suggests, skin cancer is a cancerous condition of skin.

Types of skin cancer

There are three types of skin cancers: basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer and the dangerous malignant melanoma. Since skin cancer is very closely associated to skin pigmentation, the fair skinned people are more at risk of developing skin cancer as compared to the dark skinned ones.

The cause of skin cancer

Prolonged contact with direct sunlight is what causes skin cancer. The main culprit in the direct rays of sunlight is the UV radiation (i.e. Ultra violet rays). Thus most of the preventive action against skin cancer is concentrated on avoidance of UV rays.

Protection against skin cancer

Protection against skin cancer is probably easier than the protection against other types of skin cancer. Still, a number of people ignore it and become target of this dreaded disease. Here is a list of things that can protect you from skin cancer:

1.Clothing: Since skin cancer is caused by prolonged contact of UV rays with your skin, the more you cover your skin with clothing, the lesser is your risk of developing skin cancer. Full sleeved clothes, long skirts and trousers, big hats/caps, high necks etc are all helpful in preventing skin cancer.

2.Sun screen lotion: There are a number of skin care products available in markets that offer effective protection against skin cancer. Sun screen lotions and creams that have a SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15 or more are much recommended for use.

3.Avoid exposure to UV rays: This is the best protection against skin cancer. If you can time your outdoor activity during those periods when the UV rays are less intense, you are automatically protected against UV rays. Thus getting out either early in the mornings of later in the evenings is the best.

4.Diet: Carotenoid fruits and vegetables are also known to help prevent skin cancer.

Detection of skin cancer

The various techniques for protection against skin cancer can only reduce your risk of contacting skin cancer. If you are really unlucky (or if you have not taken the protective measures against skin cancer), you might still get affected by skin cancer. In such a case, early detection can make the difference between curability and non-curability. Timely consultation with a qualified doctor, regular check-ups and accurate diagnosis can prevent skin cancer from becoming really dangerous for you.

Warren and Karen have been involved in the internet for a number of years and run several websites. They are most interested in providing opportunities for people to connect with information relating to business, health and creativity. Check out their Skin Cancer blog for more information.

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Chemotherapy Its Other Battle Is With Your Skin Hair And Nails!

Chemotherapy - Its Other Battle Is With Your Skin, Hair And Nails!
By Jeffery Yoder

Many side effects of chemotherapy treatments affect your skin and hair. Even the new targeted therapies can dry your skin as well as leave a wake of acne and a series of rashes anywhere on the body.

In my particular case the conventional treatment for colorectal cancer of Oxaliplatin or Campostar had mostly a drying effect on the skin. This was controlled with regular use of Sween Cream. With the newer drugs, the addition of the acne and rashes adds a new element in side-effects and in greatly increased attention.

TAKE YOUR SKIN SERIOUSLY!

My personal experience is that the rash and acne breakout can:

1.Occur anywhere on the body (I have had both of them on each heal).

2.Stay 3-4 weeks before moving to another area.

3.Return to a previously ravaged area.

4.Be symmetrical (if you get a breakout on your right side, you will most likely have a corresponding breakout on same part of your left side).

5.Itch.

6.Be sensitive to fragrances such as colognes & lotions.

7.Cause great discomfort with your antiperspirant or deodorant.

8.Cause some loss of hair as a result of severe acne breakout in the hair or a mans beard or eyebrows.

Fortunately, these problems can be lessened through inexpensive and less time consuming methods, or the effects can be amplified with the addition of other more expensive products used with greater frequency.

The products I mentioned are not the only products that would provide the effective results. They just all have one thing in commonno irritating fragrances are added and they are very simple and pure products.

Another consideration that affects your results is if the climate in which you live has a lot of humidity. In Florida, the natural moisture would reduce the number of times a day you would need to use a moisturizer. Ones amount of natural skin oils can also affect the amount of extra care needed.

LOTIONS AND POTIONS

If you buy only one lotion or cream, buy Sween Cream by Coloplast Corporation product number 7069 www.us.coloplast.com/ECompany/USMed/Homepage.nsf/0/27289ee974cedd7685256f32006b91a7?OpenDocument. It can be found at most medical supply stores that sell ostomy supplies. Special order this if you must, because it is the most effective of the creams and is very reasonably priced. Sween Cream lasts through a number of light washings and would not require as many applications a day as some other products.

Moderately priced lotions and oils make from 100% Kukui Oil has been very effective in keeping my skin moist. The entire line of Kukui products is available at www.oilsofaloha.com Most of their products are fragrance free. The Kukui Moisturizing Cream has some fragrance and could be an issue for some individuals. However, both the Kukui Nut Oil and Moisturizing Lotion are fragrance free. It is available by Web purchase at the above address or toll-free at 800.367.6010. Delivery is prompt. I have not found this product on the mainland.

If you are able to spend more money and buy higher end skin care products, I can personally recommend Elemis products. Particularly effective is Skin Survival Cream, Absolute Eye Mask, S.O.S. Emergency Cream and Vitamin-Rich Body Lotion. Each individual is different in a different climate. So the frequency that one must apply a moisturizer each day will vary. Each product comes in very small quantities (you do not need much at all) and ranges in the $35-$50+ range each! It can be ordered at www.timetospa.com Time-To-Spa has packages that combine many of the products youll need into one convenient packet. Elemis has products for both women and men and hails from England. It is distributed through Steiner in Florida and delivery is prompt. Is it worth the extra money? Maybe not, but you are! So treat yourself!

DEFOLIATE

It may be necessary to defoliate your face every other day to get rid of the unsightly peeling of dead skin from your face. For that frequent of usage it is important to use a mild defoliate that will be gentle and doesnt contain artificial fragrances. Skin Buff and Energizing Skin Scrub from Elemis are two such products. There are other products that may be just as effective for less money. Just remember not to remove your first and second layer of skin in one application and stay away from fragrances.

HEALING TAKES LONGER

Because your skin is dry it is going to be easily damaged, cut and irritated. I have cut my hand opening a plastic lid on a bottle with the small ridges meant to increase you grip. It has taken weeks to heal! Your hands are by far the hardest part of your body to maintain. Every time you wash your hands use a lotion or cream of choice to restore the moisture that was lost during washing. Wash your hands frequently! Use lotion or oil frequently! Dont add an infection to your list of woes. Avoid hand sanitizers as they will burn all the sensitive areas and dry your skin. When going about your daily routine you will be amazed at how everyday tasks zap the moisture completely out of your hands. The solution is to moisturize your hands and wear latex (or similar) gloves when you are washing, dishes, gardening, dusting, cleaning and just about anything else you can think of. Every time you remove the gloves be sure to re-lube and put the gloves back on. Wear them while napping and sleeping at night. This will make the biggest difference, if you can stand it! About two hours into a good nights sleep, I rip them off and look for them in the morning.

HAIR INFESTATION CAUSES SPECIAL TREATMENTS

If you are one of the lucky ones that develop acne or rash in your hair or in the case of facial hair in men it can be a very uncomfortable situation. First, dont get the shears out and decide hairless is best. It doesnt work and I have been told first hand that it can make it worse trying to shave the area. Try Paul Mitchells Tea Green Shampoo www.paulmitchell.com/intro.asp. It works wonders on controlling the itch and in my case stopped the spread and just plain felt great! Paul Mitchell also makes body soap and conditioners in the Tree Green Line. This is not an ordinary shampoo/soap and neither is the cool, almost chilling feeling it leaves as it absorbs into your hair or beard!

OUCH! MY DEODORANT FEELS MORE LIKE EASY OFF OVEN CLEANER!

All of a sudden my underarms started to burn a red rash formed in and around my armpit. After feeling the increase in pain when applying my antiperspirant I knew I had a problem. I now use Sween Cream (to increase sticky surface) and Johnsons Baby Powder with Pure Cornstarch. This I apply with a cotton round sprinkled with the baby powder. So far, I have had no strange looks or wrinkled noses. It really works!

SUPER GLUE IS NOT JUST FOR PLASTIC REFRIGERATOR PARTS

I have not tried it, but it has been recommended to me to use super glue on those nasty and painful cuticle tears by the nail. Im sure its application will test ones spirituality (it has got to burn like #@!*), but it should hold it together until the tear can heal. We all know that stuff is more durable than granite.

NAIL HEALTH MUST BE MONITORED

Both foot and hand nails can be affected with grooves and white marks. There are two methods that really help and work exceptional well when used together. First, defoliate both the hands and feet, but be careful! Because it is designed for hands and feet it will be courser than what you would use on your face. This coarseness can aggravate already damaged skin. Use common sense and your feeling of pain when applying. It works exceptional well in the cuticle area to remove dead skin. This combined with emery boards can help smooth the surface of your nails.

Nail polisher such as clear base coats and clear finger nail polish can help hide badly damaged nails and go a long way to protecting them from further damage. Moreand more men are finding the benefits of manicures and pedicures. Theyre not just for women any more!

RESULTS WILL COME, BUT NOT OVER NIGHT!

The chemo you are taking is nasty stuff. In order to keep it under control you will need to work at it on a regular basis. Even when you have optimized your results, you will not look 21 again with all blemishes gone. You will still have some acne, rashes and delayed healing. I just know how much worse I felt before I found the secret to lessen the damage caused by the chemotherapy, my climate and skin type.

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR

In general, your hairs health is a direct result of the quality of shampoo you use, for your scalp and skin are the same. I was totally amazed at the difference of my hairs texture, luster and overall appearance by switching to a pretty pricy shampoo at $15.95 for a small bottle. But after weighing the small amount necessary and the length of time the product lasted; it wasnt as expensive as first thought. I am no longer averse to paying premium process for premium results.

REMEMBER, IF YOU LOOK GOOD YOU WILL FEEL GOOD.

I have no connection with any product in this article, except that as a customer. The opinions expressed here are my own based upon my personal experience. Everyone is different and your results may differ from these. -- JC Yoder 05/05

On June 12, 2006, Jeff passed away after a 5-year battle with colon cancer.

Since 2005, this article on skin care has been widely distributed to cancer patients by the Utah Cancer Center. Permission is granted to reproduce this article free of charge.

JEFFREY C. YODER
(1949-2006)

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Skin Cancer All About Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer - All About Skin Cancer
By CD Mohatta

Skin cancers are broadly divided into two types- Melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma is the most deadly of skin cancers. The three major skin cancers that are diagnosed in almost all the cases are- Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma. All these cancers are named after the type of cell in which they begin. Thus Basal Cell Carcinoma begins in the skin cells located in the lowest layer of epidermis, which is called the basal layer. Squamous Cell Carcinoma develops from the upper layer of the epidermis named squamous layer and Melanoma begins from the melanocytes. Melanocytes are the cells that give skin its color.

Basal Cell Cancer

It is one the most frequently diagnosed skin cancers. It affects the basal cells, which are located in the bottom layer of the epidermis. Malignant cells proliferate excessively from the epidermis resulting in a tumor. The incidence of basal cell cancer increases with age. Almost all people diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma can expect to live at least another 5 years.

Though it generally does not spread to distant sites (metastasize), and is, therefore, less fatal. Basal cell carcinoma can invade normal tissue and damage deeper tissues of muscles and bones, and disfigure the skin. On its return, Basal cell carcinoma can be more aggressive. During recurrence it may grow faster and cause more tissue damage.

Squamous Cell Cancer

This type of cancer involves the malignancy and proliferation of squamous (flat, scaly) cells. The squamous cell or keratinocyte, is the most abundant cell in the epidermis. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is usually localized, but it can spread (metastasize). It is easily treated and cured when confined to the skin. Most cutaneous SCC develops in individuals with known factors, such as excessive exposure to the sun.

Melanoma

Malignant melanoma is an accelerated, metastatic type of skin cancer that originates in the cells of the epidermis. In this disorder, pigment-producing cells called melanocytes become cancerous, grow, and multiply at a devastating rate. Although melanoma is the least common type of skin cancer, it is the most serious form of skin cancer. Melanoma may be cured, if caught and treated early, but it is rarely curable in its later stages.

Melanoma skin cancer cells are more likely than non-melanoma skin cancer cells to spread or metastasize. This means that they break away from the original tumor, travel through the blood or lymphatic vessels, and then grow within other parts of the body.

The most well documented risk factor for malignant melanoma is exposure to UV radiation.

Melanoma affects equal number of men and women and affects any part of the body. It usually appears after age 50, though it can develop at any age. People with light skin are far more likely to develop melanoma than dark-skinned people.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

DoctorGoodSkin.com is a popular skin care guide where you can find a lot of information, articles and tips about acne, skin care, STDs, skin diseases and conditions, skin treatments, procedures, skin care products, etc. If you love solving quizzes and tests, visit funquizcards. Myspace users, click myspace comments such as compliments, cool comments, flirty, birthday, holidays, religion, funny, cute, etc.

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You Can't Buy Good HealthOr Can You? 5 CostEffective Ways To Protect Yourself Against Skin Cancer

You Can't Buy Good Health-Or Can You? 5 Cost-Effective Ways To Protect Yourself Against Skin Cancer
By Lynn Rosenberg

In the case of skin cancer, you can buy good health, or at least good prevention, and for very little. Im specifically referring to things you can do on your own.

1. Examine your skin every month. Your whole body. Look for very dark or irregular moles or even specs.

*When I was in my 20s and shared an apartment with a roommate,she started dating an Aesthetician. I have no idea how this caughthis eye, but he asked to see my left hand, turned the palm side up and said,You better get this looked at. I had no idea what he was talking about.

When I say, it wasnt a mole, I mean it wasnt a mole. It was so tiny you could hardly see it. It was no more than a dot. I thought he was nuts. But I could see he was deadly serious so I made an appointment to see a dermatologist, and I had it removed. Afterward, the doctor told me not to be concerned about it, and I immediately forgot about it.

Until 15 years later when my husband called from his dermatologists office to tell me he had melanoma. Immediately, I knew what it was because of my long forgotten experience. In my husbands case, it turned out to be deadly.

2. USE USE USE SUNSCREEN

There is some debate going on right now about how effective sunscreen really is, and whether it really blocks the rays the way they say they do. But each day new and better ones are coming out, so its worth getting the best you can afford (read up about what needs to be in there, or ask a dermatologist).

But whats makes sunscreen effective isnt only whats in it. Its how its applied. Most people apply it once a day, if at all. It needs to be reapplied every 2 hours, or more often if you are in and out of the water, or sweating, or are, for lengthy periods of time, in the sun. If you dont apply it properly, youre not using your full chunk of armor.

3. PROTECT YOUR EYES

Use UV Sunglasses. An opthamologist called me from Michigan (in the winter!). Thats when I first learned not about UV Sunglasses but about how many people get cancer in and around the eye.

4. GET SUN PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

You wont always find fabrics that feel good to your skin. But do theresearch. There are many companies making UV clothing today and eventually you will find something acceptable. And dont give up. Every day new things come on the market. Youll probably find it on the internet.

5. ACCESSORIES TO BLOCK THE SUN

There is an enormous variety of accessories, from UV head scarves, to UV gloves, to UV Hats and UV Umbrellas. And there are many, many more. Some cover part of your arms (for driving). There is enough out there to find protection that is comfortable for you and fits in with your lifestyle.

LYNN ROSE is the founder of Soleil Chic UV Umbrellas. After a long career as a pianist-vocalist-composer and award-winning screenwriter, Lynn changed her career after losing her husband to malignant melanoma. SOLEIL CHIC umbrellas have been seen on THE TODAY SHOW as well as in the hands of celebrities like Cate Blanchett. Soleil Chic umbrellas are endorsed by top doctors including a dermatologist, rheumatologist, plastic surgeon and professor of anatomy and neurobiology. The Mayo Clinc recommends Lynn Rose's umbrellas as well. Top resort/spas such as the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas, and The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui, carry her products. Soleil Chic's worldwide customer base continues to increase every day.

Visit the website @ http://www.soleilchic.com

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Can Green Tea Treat Skin Cancer?

Can Green Tea Treat Skin Cancer?
By Jon Stout

Some of the most promising cancer research going on today involves the use of green tea and its ability to prevent cancer and even treat cancer in patients who have already been diagnosed with the disease. Researchers are examining many possibilities for how green tea might be used, and working to determine the cancer types for which it holds the most promise.

Over the last few years, scientists have learned a great deal about the importance of a diet rich in anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are a powerful tool in slowing down the aging process and preventing disease. They are even more important than even with the number of processed foods we consume. Fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in anti-oxidants, as is dark chocolate and green tea. Coffee is also a source of anti-oxidants, though it is not nearly as rich in them as green tea.

The process our bodies go through to convert our food to energy creates free radicals each day. Free radicals are oxygen containing molecules that damage our cells and DNA. If we dont combat them, the make us age more quickly, they contribute to the development of blocked arteries and the make us more susceptible to the diseases and problems of aging.

So, its certain that we all need to consume a high level of anti-oxidants as part of our everyday diet. But, of particular interest are the anti-oxidants in green tea. Asian cultures consume a large amount of green tea, and have espoused its healing properties for centuries. And, it just so happens that they have a much lower incidence of cancer and heart disease.

There are, of course, other differences between Asian culture and ours. Notably, we are far more likely to be overweight; and research has shown us that obesity is a significant risk factor for many diseases including cancer and heart disease. However, one other interesting fact; Asian cultures, particularly Japanese men are far more likely to smoke than we are, yet they still have a much lower incidence of cancer and heart disease.

So, green tea is of significant importance in our quest to live longer and be healthier. There are hundreds of studies that have shown that green tea is a good cancer preventative and can increase the effectiveness of cancer treatments.

One important study is linked to skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer. While only 4% of skin cancer cases are melanoma, it causes more deaths than any other type of skin cancer.

The number of new cases of melanoma is on the rise in the US- an estimated 62,000 Americans will be diagnosed in 2006, and about 8000 people will die from melanoma in the US this year. Nonmelanoma is extremely common. It is estimated that about one million people develop nonmelanoma cancer each year; this is about the same number of people who contract all other types of cancer combined. However, people rarely die from nonmelanoma only about 1000 each year in the US.

Since skin cancer is so prevalent in our country, its critical that we spend time and money researching how we can treat this cancer. Of course, skin cancer is, in part, preventable. So, as part of a healthy lifestyle we should be diligent about protecting ourselves from the sun, because this is the most important aspect of preventing both types of skin cancer.

To reduce your risk of skin cancer, be sure that you are always protected from the sun, even on cloudy days, and even in the winter. Cover as much of your body as possible with clothing, and use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher on any areas that you cannot cover. Be sure to follow the directions on sunscreen closely; many people do not use enough sunscreen and do not reapply it often enough.

As scientists are researching ways to prevent and treat skin cancer, the results involving green tea are promising. One particular study reported by the Alternative Medicine Review showed excellent results in skin cancer prevention and treatment in mice with the use of green tea both applied topically and given orally.

In this study, mice were exposed to about seven different kinds of carcinogens, all of which are known to cause or contribute to skin cancer. The mice were divided into groups. Some of the groups were treated with green tea by substituting it for their drinking water. Others were treated topically with green tea extract. Some of the groups of mice were already suffering from skin cancer, as well.

The research was conducted so that mice undergoing exposure to each different carcinogen were treated with green tea in both forms. For example, some of the mice being exposed to UVB rays were treated with only oral green tea, while others were treated with only topical green tea extract.

The research concluded that all of the mice benefited from the green tea treatment, whether it was given orally or applied topically. In every group, the green tea was effective at preventing skin cancer. The study found that green tea applied topically seems to scavenge and destroy skin cells that are likely to become cancerous before they can mutate.

The green tea, whether given orally or applied topically, slowed down the cancer growth in the mice that were already infected. In addition, green tea given orally seemed to cause some regression of existing skin cancer.

Of course, these results are very promising. If this research is a good indicator of how green tea might work in humans, as well, then topically applied green tea may become the new trend in skin products. In addition, these findings support other findings that conclude that drinking green tea is effective in preventing and treating many forms of cancer.

The next step, of course, is to conduct human trials to see if the same results prove true. It certainly seems that we have enough information to suggest that green tea should be part of everyones diet for its ability to slow down aging and prevent disease.

The most exciting news from this study is the idea that we might benefit dramatically from the simple step of applying a form of green tea to our skin. Addition of green tea to our sunscreens, lotions and moisturizers could have a dramatic effect on the number of skin cancer diagnosed each year. And, even for those already diagnosed with skin cancer, green tea applied to the skin might prove to be an effective treatment to kill the cancer cells, or at least slow down their progression.

Jon M. Stout is the Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. Golden Moon Tea carefully selects the finest rare and orthodox teas, which are processed slowly and handcrafted with extreme care. At their website, you can learn more about their current tea offerings, including their exceptional green tea, white tea, black tea, oolong tea (also known as wu-long and wu long tea) and chai. Visit goldenmoontea.com for all details concerning the Golden Moon Tea Company's fine line of teas.

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An Overview of Skin Cancer

An Overview of Skin Cancer
By John Grimes

Cancer is a scary subject and comes in many forms. Skin cancer is one of the more prevalent versions and, unfortunately, one most people do not take seriously enough.

Imagine sitting in a doctors office and being told you have cancer. Although cancer treatment has come a long way, it would still be a devastating moment. Are you going to die? Is it curable? Why you? These are the types of questions that will undoubtedly come to mind immediately. With many forms of cancer, there is a certain luck of the draw element as to why you get them. Skin cancer, however, is one you can take steps to avoid.

What is skin cancer? It is a malignant growth on the skin, typically forming on the epidermis or outer layer of the skin. It is often associated with repeated sun burns or extensive exposure to the sun over time. It is also becoming more common due to increased ultraviolet radiation penetration in the atmosphere.

Skin cancer typically can be categorized in three ways. Malignant melanoma is the worst and is fatal if not diagnosed and treated early. It is, however, the least prevalent of the categories. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common, has a hereditary element and is rarely fatal. It tends to be isolated and is often treated with surgery or topical chemotherapy. Squamous cell carcinoma is a form of cancer that occurs on both the skin and internal organs. It can be caused by many things including exposure to the sun and can metastasize or spread through the body.

The nature of skin cancer is such that it often can be avoided if precautionary steps are taken. If you enjoy laying on the beach or working outside, using proper sun block is simple and effective. The key is to use it liberally and frequently. While this seems like common sense, the sheer number of skin cancer cases reported each year indicate that people are not using it. Laziness is most likely the cause. If you fall in this category, do your really want to risk skin cancer, particularly malignant melanoma that can kill you?

If you are going to be out in the sun, whether skiing, sitting on a beach, hiking or working, make sure to protect yourself. Using sun screen is a minor task that can prevent big problems.

John Grimes is with All Terrain - makers of natural sun protection products for the outdoors.

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Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer Coping with Skin Reactions

Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer- Coping with Skin Reactions
By Carol Kornmehl

Radiation therapy is a simple, painless, and generally well-tolerated tool for treating and even curing breast cancer. One of the most common side effects of radiation therapy to the breast (after a lumpectomy) or to the chest wall (after a mastectomy) is skin irritation. The reaction and its extent differ for every woman. Because radiation therapy is often such an important part of breast cancer treatment, it is important to know how to mitigate its side effects in order to gain the greatest benefit from the therapy.

Coping with Skin Irritation

Radiation-induced skin reactions are more likely to occur in people who received chemotherapy shortly before or during radiation therapy and in women who have a prominent fold under the crease of the breast. In fact, this area and the underarm are the most common areas of the breast to sustain a skin reaction. Most skin reactions resolve within a few weeks of completing radiation therapy.

Skin reactions are almost inevitable for women receiving radiation to the chest wall after a mastectomy. As a result, many radiation oncology facilities give such women a one-week prophylactic break halfway through the course of treatment, to reduce the severity of skin reactions.

The severity of a skin reaction varies from person to person. It can become more noticeable as the course of treatment progresses. Faint pinkness of the skin, brisk redness, sun burnt sensation, dryness, itching, peeling, darkening like a suntan, blistering, and moist oozing can occur.

When the reaction is severe, such as a brisk redness that evolves into blistering and moist weeping of the skin, women receive a treatment break, usually lasting a week or two. This rest is usually sufficient to alleviate the worst symptoms. When necessary, doctors can prescribe therapeutic creams. Radiation can be resumed once the reaction resolves.

Treating the Reaction

During radiation therapy, women can avoid chafing the irradiated skin by going braless or by wearing a cotton sports bra without an underwire that fits well below the crease of the breast or the irradiated skin of the chest wall. Women who can go braless altogether, should. If that is not a comfortable solution, women should wear a bra as infrequently as possible to reduce the likelihood and/or the degree of a skin reaction. Also, aerating the irradiated skin helps minimize skin reactions.

Over-the-counter moisturizing creams without alcohol and fragrance can reduce the extent of a skin reaction. Often, radiation oncology teams prescribe these creams at the beginning of radiation therapy.

Women should also try to be kind to the irradiated skin, which can be easily inflamed. Radiation oncologists suggest:

Do not rub, scrub, or scratch the skin in the treatment area; instead, pat the skin dry and massage physician-prescribed anti-itch creams or ointments onto the affected area.
Avoid sun exposure to the irradiated skin. When going outdoors, wear protective opaque clothing such as a cotton tee shirt.
Steer clear of tight-fitting blouses and bras over the area unless instructed otherwise.
Use only lukewarm water and mild soap recommended by the radiation oncology team on the treated area.
Avoid using ice packs or heating pads on the treated skin.
Steer clear of commercial deodorants and skin care products not endorsed by the treatment team.
Do not shave the underarm on the treated side with a non-electric razor.
Avoid skin care products for at least two hours before radiation treatment.

Although a number of people who undergo radiation therapy do experience skin reactions, most get past this temporary side effect. By working with their radiation oncology teams, people pass the metaphorical finish line of the course of radiation therapy, usually victoriously. Most importantly, they derive substantial benefits from radiation therapy and move on to leading productive, cancer-free lives.

Dr. Kornmehl is a board certified radiation oncologist and author of the critically acclaimed consumer health book, The Best News About Radiation Therapy (M. Evans, 2004). Her website is http://www.RTSupportDoc.com .

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