Basal cell skin cancer is the most common form of skin cancer in the United States. This non-melanoma skin cancer is one that begins the upper most level of skin, the epidermis, and grows slowly and painlessly.
If you have a surface-level sore that will not heal and bleeds at the slightest bit of touch, you may very well have basal cell skin cancer, especially if skin cancer runs in the family. If you notice this early on, you can immediately seek skin cancer help. This is important because early detection could save your life. The longer you wait, the longer the cancer has to grow and spread. If it hits your organs, treatment may not be possible.
Like many cancers, there are risk factors that can make a person more at risk to contract basal cell skin cancer. For example, if you have pale skin, blue or green eyes, light hair or have been over-exposed to sun or radiation, then you have a higher chance of contracting skin cancer than other people. Thus, it is important to wear sunscreen year-round and to try to stay out of direct sunlight.
If you know the symptoms to look for, you can then seek treatment early on. This could end up saving a person's life. A basal cell carcinoma growth is one that may look pearly or even waxy in appearance. It is usually light in color - pink or white - but may also be flesh-colored or brown. The growth may first look like a blemish and can be raised up or flat. These growths may turn into oozing sores that will not heal, no matter what you do. Thus, it is important to check on any growths as soon as you see them. You'll know in a matter of days if it is a blemish, as blemishes will go away in time. If there are broken vessels near the area or if the sore has a sunken middle area, then you need to get this checked out as soon as possible.
 | Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer there is, but it is also one of the most treatable. There are several things that contribute to the development of skin cancer; by learning how to prevent skin cancer throughout your lifetime, you can significantly reduce your risk of getting the disease. |
 | When skin cancer is diagnoses, details and technical terms can leave a patient or loved one in the dark. The stages of melanoma are defined by the size of the tumor and how far the cancer has spread. |
 | Learn to recognize early signs of skin cancer so you can get it treated early. With more than 1 million new cases each year, skin cancer is the leading form of cancer in the United States. |
Learning how to prevent skin cancer requires accepting the responsibility of taking care of your skin and your health every single day. Whether the sun is shining or hiding behind clouds, paying attention to skin health is crucial. |
What does skin cancer look like? No one wants to spot a potential sign of skin cancer on her body, but it is a good idea to be prepared, just in case. If you see any of these potential skin cancer red flags, it's time to see a doctor. |
