Skin cancer has become a great threat to many of the people in the world due to the global warming and the damages in the ozone layer. The UV rays of the sun have the carcinogenic effects on the skin of the people. Skin cancer is a disease in which the skin cells lose the ability to divide and grow normally. Some abnormal cells grow out of control and form a tumor on the skin. When the tumor spreads to the surrounding tissues of the skin it is identified as skin cancer.

Causes of skin cancer:

     Childhood sun exposure may lead to the risk of skin cancer. Certain skin types are prone to this disease. Some people may inherit a defective gene that increases the risk of skin cancer. As we already mentioned, it may occur due to the damage to the protective ozone layer.

     The most common symptoms of skin cancer are a new growth on the skin; a change in the existing skin growth; a sore that does not get cured etc and they are considered as the initial stages of skin cancer. Doing a regular skin exam is a good way to find the early symptoms of skin cancer. This disease occurs generally on the face, neck, exposed areas of the chest, upper back part of the body etc. These sores may appear like pimples and may ooze yellowish fluid.


Prevention:

     We must not over expose ourselves to the sun rays. Covering with long sleeved comfortable clothing will protect the skin from the sun rays. The hats with broad brims or sombreros can protect the face from the UV rays. Applying sunscreen lotion or cream regularly can help us to prevent the skin cancer. By checking our own body regularly, we can find any abnormal growth on the body. If we find any abnormality we must immediately consult the dermatologist.

Treatment:

     There are three kinds of treatments which are used for skin cancer and they include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In the surgery method, the removal of the tumor with a margin of surrounding skin occurs. Laser surgery is also used to destroy the cancer cells with highly focused beam of light. Chemotherapy involves the treating of cancer with anti cancer drugs.