Some Facts About Skin Cancer
One of the most common types of cancer that prevails in today’s scenario is the skin cancer. It is estimated that in US alone 1 million people are under the affect of this 
disease. So it is important that we are aware of the skin cancer risks and how to prevent skin cancer. For this first one has to understand how skin cancer develops. But before this one should have knowledge about the skin.
Our skin is composed of two layers. The outermost is called as the epidermis and the inner most as the dermis. The epidermis is composed of the three layers of cells. The uppermost are the flat squamos cells, the middle one are the round basal cells and the lower layers with the melanocytes cells which gives the color to the skin. Under the epidermis is the dermis which consists of the blood vessels, lymph and the glands. These glands produce sweat (to keep body cool) and the sebum (oily material to keep skin moisturized). Both these reach the upper layer of skin through pores. As everyone know that the cells are the building block of skin from the above part of the article. Skin cells will die and the new one will form.
Also the cells will expand and multiply. This is the normal process, but it will get hampered when the old cells refused to die, or the new cells keep on developing even when the skin not requires them. These will be surplus cells and will form a mass called tumor. Tumor may be cancerous or non cancerous. The name of the skin cancer depends on the three types of cells in which this tumor grows.
Different type of skin cancers are
- Melanoma
- Squamous cell cancer
- Basal cell carcinoma
Melanoma skin cancer is due to the increase in the melanocytes cells. This is usually found in the males especially those works or lives in the sunny climate for ling hours of the days.
Squamous cell skin cancer results from too much exposure to the chemicals, x-rays, UV radiations and it is generally found in the people aged over 50 years.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer and it is usually found on the neck and the head. It is not very fatal but can disfigure the appearance of a person. It is estimated that 30% people are affected by this cancer.
