Skin Cancer

Ann Arbor Chiropractor, Mike Tannenbaum, D.C. Presents another blog post: Skin Cancer

I drove up north from Ann Arbor today and went swimming in lake Michigan. The swimming was wonderful but, being the health enthusiast I'am I couldn't help but notice all the people sunbathing trying to get that perfect bronze tan. Instead, unfortunately, many of the people trying to get that perfect tan are actually just getting a good red burn, damaging their skin in the process and possibly setting themselves up for getting skin cancer. Skin cancer is a huge problem and can be fatal. The primary cause of skin cancer is over exposure to the sun. The different types of skin cancer that are caused from sun exposure are:

Basal cell carcinoma: Generally seen as a small, smooth, pearly or waxy bump on the face, ears or neck. Can also be seen as flat red, brown or pink, red or brown lesion on the bodies trunk, arms or legs.

Squamous cell carcinoma: May be seen as rough scaly lesion that may bleed and may become crusty or seen as a red nodule. This form of cancer can appear anywhere, but usually is more prevalent on areas with the most sun exposure.

Melanoma: Usually appears as a pigmented patch or bump but can also be red or white. It may resemble a normal mole, but usually has a more irregular appearance.

Here are some of the factors that increase the odds of developing skin cancer. First of all, anyone can get skin cancer, but those at highest risk for skin cancer are people with fair and or freckled skin and blond or red hair. People with dark skin have less of a risk for skin cancer. Family history of skin cancer increases the risk, as well as living in a sunny climate or working outdoors. In addition, people that have a history of severe sunburns have a higher risk for skin cancer.

Please be careful not to overexpose yourself to the sun. Be especially careful to avoid sunburns. Skin cancer is a serious problem and you need to do those things necessary to avoid it.

If you have any questions about this blog post, chiropractic, back pain, neck pain, headaches or tingling and numbness in the arms legs hands or feet I can reached at my Ann Arbor chiropractic office at [email protected].

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