Skin Cancer

Throughout the years, skin cancer cases have risen from 1 out of 5000 Americans in 1930, to 1 out of 65 Americans in 2004. Americans are just now realizing that overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet lights can cause severe damage to the DNA in the skin. Because of that exposure, skin cancer has become the most common form of cancer in the United States. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (most common), squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma (least common). Every hour, a United States citizen dies from melanoma. There are 59,000 new cases reported each year due to this disease. Melanoma is the main cause of skin cancer-related deaths. Studies have recently indicated that melanoma could be inherited by genetics; caused by the mutation of gene p16. Around 10-15% of people diagnosed with melanoma have a p16 gene mutation. With this new information, a person’s family history could be very beneficial to determine the main targets for diagnosing and preventing this disease from reoccurring.
Melanoma starts off with cells called melanocytes inside the epidermis, which generates skin pigmentation known as melanin. Melanin is accountable for skin and hair color. Depending on how early the cancer is detected, and with legitimate treatment, melanoma is highly curable, with a rate of about 95%.   However, it is known as, “the most lethal form of skin cancer” due to its rapid spread into the internal organs and lymph system. "What is Skin Cancer?
The main symptom of and type of skin cancer is normally a mole, lump, or a sore on the skin.   Any detection of change in the mole, lump or sore over time is a warning sign. The “ABCD system” is useful, beneficial reminder to know the characteristics that might be symptoms of melanoma: Asymmetry, borders, color, and diameter.
Asymmetry, one side of the mole is abnormally different from the other side.   Borders check to see if the mole or jump has irregular edges. Color, skin pigmentation varies from one...