skin cancer seminar topic

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND INFORMATION There are two types of skin cancer. One type is caused by the sun. The second type of skin cancer happens when the skin cells are turned into cancer cells.  CAUSESIn the body, cells are always multiplying in a controlled way. New cells are produced to replace old ones that die due to natural wear and tear. In cancer, this cell production goes wrong. Some cells become abnormal and multiply in an uncontrolled way—usually too fast. They begin to grow or move into other parts of the body and “invade” them. This disrupts the workings of these parts. ultraviolet radiation (UV) types A and B from sunlight are responsible for most skin cancers.. Skin cancers can grow in any part of the skin, but approximately 90 percent develop in areas exposed to the sun, especially the face, neck, backs of the hands, and the scalps of bald men. Exposure to direct sunlight, especially during childhood, is the chief risk factor for skin cancer, and the greater the number of blistering sunburns a person has had, the greater the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. People with pale skin are at greatest risk for skin cancer, particularly if their skin burns or freckles easily. Diet may also play a role. A recent study found that patients on a diet of 20 percent fat had fewer precancerous growths and non-melanoma skin cancers than those who ate a normal diet of about 38 percent fat SYMPTOMS The cancerous change in the skin known as malignant melanoma is usually seen as a mole-like mark which enlarges, alters color, itches and bleeds. Its cause is usually the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. PREVENTION Watching for any changes in your skin and staying out of the sun during peak hours are the two best ways to prevent skin cancer. U Experts suggest that four fifths of all cancers can be prevented. Some simple guidelines greatly reduce the risks: Do not smoke. Avoid too much exposure to strong sunlight. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid drinking too much a lcohol. Attend regular health checks, especially those for detecting cancer early, such as the cervical screening or “smear” test for women. Obey safety rules when there is a danger of being exposed to harmful chemicals and radiation, such as X-rays. Skin cancer can be prevented by staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. Using sun block with a protective factor of at least 15 will also help. Other ways of protecting yourself would be to wear hats and long-sleeve shirts. It is also good to look at your skin each month to find any skin cancers early. UVB is at its strongest during the summer months and people need to protect themselves by not exposing the skin for long periods and by wearing a hat with a wide brim that shades the face; by avoiding exposure to the midday sun; and by applying a high-factor sunscreen of at least SPF15 on exposed skin at regular intervals, especially before and after swimming. These precautions apply equally to summer in northern European climates as to summer in hotter ones TREATMENTS The survival rate for skin cancer is 80% when found and treated early. Depending on how deep the skin tumors are, different therapies can be tried. They are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. With most health problems, early detection means that treatment can begin early too, so there is more chance of success. This is particularly important with cancer. Each type of cancer has its own method of treatment. There are three main types or groups of treatments: Surgery, which involves an operation to remove the growth and affected parts. Chemotherapy, which involves being given medical drugs to kill off the cancer cells while leaving normal body cells unharmed. Radiotherapy, which involves X-rays and similar rays aimed to kill the cancer cells. There are other, newer forms of treatment. Biological agents strengthen the body’s own defenses, known as the immune system, to attack cancer cells more effectively. Gene therapy involves altering the genes of the cancer cells so they can be killed more easily. A unique centre for providing Ayurveda treatment to cancer patients has come up at the Regional Cancer Centre in Tiruvananthapuram. The unit inaugurated by state Governor Sukhdev Singh Kang was set up on the basis of an agreement between the Dehradun based Vaidya Chandra Prakash Cancer Research Foundation and the RCC for testing the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment for cancer. Even if cured, a cancer patient may be left with serious disabilities. Every effort must be made to achieve the maximum possible quality of life through rehabilitative techniques, including reconstructive surgery. For the patient who is not cured, palliative therapy may achieve comfort and good function for months or years. Pain can be a severe problem, as can depression, but both can be relieved today much more than in the past.