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Cancer consists of more than 100 ailments. Each kind of cancer is different to other types in many ways, although all cancers are a disease of some of the cells in the body. When cells are healthy, they grow, divide and replace themselves. These cells comprise the body's tissue. This process of cell duplication is how the body grows, maintains health and keeps in good repair. Some of these cells, however, can lose their ability to perform these tasks. The growth and progress of these cells becomes limited, or they may divide themselves too rapidly or grow without organization. Sometimes, the cells produce too much tissue, resulting in the formation of benign or malignant tumors. Benign tumors are those which do not lead to cancer. When a tumor is benign, it's not life-threatening and it won't extend to the rest of the body. Once these types of tumors are removed via surgery, they usually won't return. Benign tumors are typically more of a nuisance than a threat. Malignant tumors are those that can lead to cancer. These cancerous tumors cause further illness in the body by invading nearby organs and destroying healthy tissues. Malignant tumors can metastasize or spread to other organs, causing new tumors to grow throughout the body. Basal cell carcinoma and Squamous cell carcinoma are the two main kinds of skin cancer. Carcinoma is the term used to describe a cancer that begins in cells that cover or surround an organ. Over 90 percent of skin cancers in the United States are Basel cell carcinoma. This category of cancer grows slowly and rarely spreads to other areas, although it is crucial that all types of skin cancers are found and treated as early as possible to prevent them from invading and destroying the nearby tissues. Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are usually referred to as nonmelanoma skin cancer. Melanoma is another form of skin cancer which begins in the melanocytes. The most common types of cancer in the United States are skin cancers. It's estimated that 40 to 50 percent of people who live to be 65 or older in the United States will develop skin cancer at least once in their lifetime. Even so, people of all ages and every nationality are at risk of developing skin cancer. People with blue or light colored eyes, those with freckles or fair skin, and people with blond or red hair present a higher risk of developing skin cancer. The principal cause of skin cancer is the sun's UV (ultraviolet) radiation. There are two types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA and UVB. Artificial sources of UV radiation, like sun beds and tanning booths, can also cause skin cancer. People living in certain areas are more likely to develop skin cancer. Those who live in areas where they are exposed to high levels of UV radiation and are more likely to develop the disease. The Texas sun, for example, is especially strong. High rates of skin cancer are also found in South Africa and Australia where people are exposed to excessive amounts of the sun's radiation.
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Keefe Figgatt is a writer for several popular Internet magazines, on health articles and alternative health issues. Click here for other unique skin cancer articles.
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