Skin Cancer Awareness Month

At Phoenix CyberKnife, we’re dedicated to helping patients throughout the greater Phoenix area beat cancer and reclaim a healthy, normal life. As a premier cancer treatment center in the Phoenix area, we’re proud to offer some of the most advanced cancer treatment methods in the world – but without a doubt, the single most effective way to fight cancer is through education, awareness, and prevention. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and to that end, it’s a wonderful opportunity to learn more about skin cancer and how to prevent it from forming.

What Is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is a general term used to refer to any type of cancer that forms in the largest organ of the body: the skin. There are three main types of skin cancer:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma: The most common form of skin cancer, this originates in the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis. Often, basal cell carcinoma looks similar to an open sore or a red or pink growth on the skin.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The second most common form, this also originates in cells in the epidermis. It may look similar to basal cell carcinoma in the form of an open sore or growth, or it may look closer to a wart that may crust or bleed.
• Melanoma: Melanoma originates in the pigment-producing cells of the skin, called melanocytes. While it’s the least common form of skin cancer, it’s also the most dangerous.

What Causes Skin Cancer?

Perhaps the most important and most common cause of skin cancer is cumulative exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, mostly from sunlight. Over time, the UV rays damage the skin at the level of the DNA, eventually forming a cancerous growth. Other causes of skin cancer may include a suppressed immune system due to a condition like HIV/AIDS, exposure to x-rays or carcinogenic chemicals, or certain drugs.

How Can I Prevent Skin Cancer?

Prevention is the most effective method for fighting skin cancer, and there are a number of simple, concrete steps you can take to lower your likelihood. The most important aspect is sun protection. Be sure to wear a high-SPF sunscreen whenever you expose your skin to the sun, and opt for clothes that cover and protect the skin on your arms, neck, and face. This doesn’t just mean protecting yourself at the beach – over time, even short-duration sun exposure during peak sunlight hours can do damage to your skin.

Contact Your Phoenix, AZ Cancer Treatment Specialists

With caution, care, and protection, you can reduce your chance of developing skin cancer and help keep your skin healthy long into old age. If you have any questions about skin cancer or any other form of cancer, the world-class treatment team at Phoenix CyberKnife would be thrilled to speak with you. As a premier cancer treatment center in the Phoenix area, we’re proud to provide high-quality cancer treatments to patients of all types, and we strive to make the treatment process as simple as possible. Feel free to call us at (602) 441-3845 with any questions about cancer or cancer treatment, or if you’d like to schedule a consultation with us, just reach out to us at our contact page. We hope to see you back at this blog for more tips and info on protecting yourself against cancer, and until next time, we hope you have a safe, healthy Skin Cancer Awareness Month!