Skin cancer is a very common type of cancer. Millions of people all over the world are affected by it every year. There are three main types of skin cancer, which are melanoma (the most dangerous form), squamous cell carcinoma (highly treatable), and basal cell carcinoma (the most treatable). Skin cancer is believed to be highly preventable simply by taking proper care of the skin. It is very rare for squamous cell skin cancer in particular to affect other parts of the body, and, if treated properly and as quickly as possible, most people recover from it quite easily. However, if left untreated, the basics about squamous cell skin cancer tell us that it is possible for it to spread. Once cancer spreads, it becomes much harder to treat as well.
Causes of Squamous Cell Skin Cancer:
The main cause of squamous cell skin cancer is prolonged UV (ultraviolet) radiation exposure. This can be from sunbeds, tanning booths, or sun exposure. It is very important to properly protect your skin from UV radiation, as this will also protect your from skin cancers. There are a number of important tips that form the basics about squamous cell skin cancers prevention. These are:
1. Gaining an understanding of why this type of cancer can develop. Knowing a condition makes it more likely that you can prevent it as well. This means learning to reduce your exposure to harmful UV rays by avoiding tanning booths, covering up in the sun, and spending time in the shade.
2. Looking after your skin and protecting it. Use a sunscreen if you do go out in the sun, even if it is a cloudy day. An SPF of 15 is really the bare minimum. You should also apply it at least half an hour before going out.
3. Avoiding the sun as much as possible, particularly when it is peak time. There are clothes that you can wear to protect you from UV radiation as well. The deeper into the skin the UV rays can get, the more likely they are to cause a cancerous lesion.
4. Getting to know the symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma so that you know what to look for, and so that you can go to a physician if you experience any of them. Squamous cell carcinoma symptoms can appear on any part of the body, from the anus and genitals to the mouth and fingers. Usually, you will notice brown or red spots that change in size.
5. Have a regular checkup with your physician or qualified dermatologist. If you have any doubt, request a further check to make sure that you haven't developed cancer. The sooner it is spotted, the easier it is to treat as well.
Very simply put, you need to look after and protect your skin. That is why you need to know the basics about squamous cell skin cancers. Prevention will forever be better than cure, after all. And since prevention is quite easy and really only requires a healthy dosage of common sense, there should be nothing to stop you from actually doing this.