Skin Cancer + Original Articles

If used incorrectly, one luxury car feature could do permanent damage to your skin. If you crank up your car seat heater, you should take note of a study published in the Archives of Dermatology that reveals a downside to this luxury feature. Doctors have discovered that car seat heaters can mark your skin—for life. Erythema ab igne (aka EAI) is a condition caused by chronic exposure to infrared radiation.

Even with a lack of pain, cancer can make its presence known in many ways, although some symptoms are a bit vague and ambiguous. When you consider the side effects of cancer, what comes to mind? You probably think about pain and the presence of a noticeable lump (at least for common cancers such as breast or prostate cancer). According to the National Cancer Institute, early cancer does not usually cause pain, which makes it not a very good early warning symptom.

Vitamin D is essential for your health, and most of us don't get enough. But is it safe to increase your dose through sunshine? There are drawbacks from getting vitamin D from foods and from the sun. So which one is has lesser consequences? Scientists agree that sufficient vitamin D is needed for you to maintain good health, and the primary source of vitamin D occurs when your skin is exposed to the sun's UV rays.

Here’s why you should become familiar with the symptoms of Actinic Keratosis. Actinic Keratosis (ak-TIN-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis), also known as AK or solar keratoses, is a precancerous skin condition that begins in the top layer of the skin. Extended exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation rays causes AK, so you generally see it in areas regularly exposed to the sun.

If detected early, many forms of cancer can be successfully treated. Here's a look at the disease by the numbers. The incidence of cancer is growing worldwide. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) predicts more than 1.6 million new cases of cancer in the U.S. in 2012. In addition to cancer's physical and emotional toll, it causes a significant financial burden on patients and society.

Smokers don't need another study to tell them their habit is dangerous, but here is a risk you might not expect. New research has revealed that smoking may pose yet another health risk, especially for women. Squamous cell carcinoma is a serious form of skin cancer that affects 700,000 people each year. A study conducted by the University of South Florida's H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute surveyed nearly 700 men and women who had been diagnosed with the non-melanoma skin cancers: Basil cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Find out if this is negatively affecting how you look. If so, there are several treatments designed to reverse the damaging effects. The term "photoaging" refers to skin damage caused by too much exposure to the sun's UVA & UVB rays. Photoaging leads to wrinkles, rough patches and changes in skin pigment. The Science of Photoaging UV radiation contains UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn, so most sunscreens focus on blocking these rays.

Boost your well-being with a fragrance garden. It's easy to grow therapeutic herbs and flowers with these tips. Aromatherapy is a popular and effective way to elevate your mood and promote healing. You can create your own scents by planting a fragrance garden. If you fill the garden with edible herbs and flowers, you'll be able to boost your health in a fun and unique way.

Your body creates vitamin D by synthesizing UV rays. But that doesn't mean skimping on sunscreen. There are safer ways. An estimated one third of Americans aren't getting enough vitamin D—an essential compound that keeps your bones and immune system healthy. Recent studies also link vitamin D to lowering blood pressure, reducing cancer risks, warding off osteoporosis, and even preserving memory.

Everyone needs vitamin D for good health, but a debate continues to burn in the medical community over the best ways to get this important nutrient. The National Institutes of Health recommend 600 International Units (IU) of vitamin D per day. One cup of vitamin D-fortified milk provides 100 units, while 3 ounces of oil-based tuna provides another 200 units. But is it wise to soak up UV rays to get vitamin D? The debate is so hot that the Skin Cancer Foundation has called it The D Dilemma.

Skin cancer rates are likely to increase in the coming years. Find out how behavioral and dietary changes can reduce your risk. One out of every five Americans will develop skin cancer during his or her lifetime, and many health experts believe that percentage will increase in coming decades. With global warming on the rise, people are increasingly being exposed to stronger ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which forms free radicals, damages healthy cells, and increases the risk for skin cancer.

Knowing the symptoms of the different types of skin cancer and where to look for them on your body could save your life. Skin cancer can affect any area of your body exposed to sun, including the scalp. And believe it or not, it can even crop up in lesser-exposed areas like the palms of your hands, between your toes, even on your genitals. According to experts, cancerous skin lesions can appear suddenly or develop slowly, and the American Cancer Society advises that people see their doctors immediately if they see any of the following symptoms.

Keeping up with all your health screenings may seem daunting, but this list can get you started on a year of healthy living. In a perfect world, we'd all know exactly when we need to get our important health screenings. In reality, however, these checkups and exams often take a backseat to work, family, and other obligations. Fortunately, you can get on the right track by making a simple phone call to your doctor.

Your scalp can be a hidden zone for skin cancer, but a new study and advocacy campaign gets behind an innovative solution. There's no question that the best way to beat skin cancer is to spot it early. Unfortunately, it's hard for you to see what may be growing on your own scalp or on the back of your neck. However, there is someone who already looks at that area carefully—your hairdresser.

Suffering from anxiety? Stomach issues? A cold that won’t quit? There’s an herb for you. Herbs and spices are as at-home in your medicine chest as they are in your pantry.  That's because they possess powerful healing properties that have been used as medicinals for thousands of years.  Check out these 10 common herbs you may already have growing in your yard or sitting in your spice rack.

Learn what researchers have found about caffeine's effect on skin cancer prevention. You rarely hear about the health benefits of coffee. Instead, you're warned that it's linked to elevated heart rates, high blood pressure, digestive issues, and anxiety. But there may be some good news for people who still love their daily cups of joe.

Here's how not to care for your skin. Taking heed of these seven common blunders will help renew your complexion and possibly even save your life. From time to time, it's possible to miss the mark and slip into a bad habit. And although eating the occasional burger, skipping a week of exercise, or forgetting to wash your face one day won't hurt you, continually committing these offenses can become harmful.

What is it about these rays that makes them so harmful? And how can you tell if you're taking the proper safety precautions? We all require some sun exposure. In fact, it's the body's primary source of vitamin D. But the problem lies in repeated, unprotected exposure to the sun's ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. What is it about these rays, though, that makes them so harmful? And how can you tell if you're taking the proper safety precautions? UVA Rays: Think "A" for Aging UVA wavelengths deeply penetrate the dermis and subcutaneous layers of your skin.

When you apply sunscreens that say "broad spectrum," "sweat-resistant," or "SPF 100," are you truly getting the protection you paid for? These new sunscreen regulations can help you make the right choice to protect yourself. Broad-spectrum. Sweat-resistant. Sunblock. SPF 100. What do all of these terms really mean? Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stepped up to clearly define what makes an effective sunscreen. And manufacturers are being held accountable to these new standards.

Most of us have some kind of birthmark, whether it's a tiny spot no one ever sees or a prominent port-wine stain. But very few of us know the facts about these marks and if they carry any associated risks. Here are some birthmark FAQs and clarifications of common misconceptions. Most of us have some kind of birthmark, whether it's a tiny spot no one ever sees or a prominent port-wine stain. But very few of us know the facts about these marks and if they carry any associated risks. Here are some birthmark FAQs and clarifications of common misconceptions.

The American Academy of Dermatology stresses the importance of using sunscreen before stepping outdoors to reduce your risk of skin cancer. But what if you're allergic to sunscreen? Does that mean you have to forego summer pleasures or put yourself at risk of getting burned? Absolutely not. The American Academy of Dermatology stresses the importance of using sunscreen before stepping outdoors to reduce your risk of skin cancer. But what if you're allergic to sunscreen? Does that mean you have to forego summer pleasures or put yourself at risk of getting burned? Absolutely not.

Your breasts put up with a lot. It's only natural that once in a while, they'll react. So, what can you do about strange but common occurrences such as rashes, pimples, moles, and ingrown hairs? Your breasts put up with a lot. It's only natural that once in a while, they'll react. So, what can you do about strange but common occurrences such as rashes, pimples, moles, and ingrown hairs? Women are trained to worry about lumps, bumps, puckers, and other signs of breast cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. So, when fresh air and sunshine beckons your family outside to play, be sure to pack sunscreen along with your diapers, snacks, and other essentials. Here's all you need to know. Sunshine warms our bodies, improves our mood and even gives us vitamin D—especially beneficial for strong bones and a healthy immune system. But the bright light has a dark side, too. Too much sun damages our skin and causes premature wrinkling, spotting, and can cause skin cancer, the most serious of which is melanoma.

Did you know that basal cell carcinoma is the most common kind of cancer in America? It can ravage your skin and even cause disfiguration if not treated properly. Be sure you know how to detect and deal with signs of this skin cancer. Did you know that basal cell carcinoma is the most common kind of cancer in America? Hundreds of thousands of people are diagnosed with it every year and while highly treatable, it can ravage your skin and even cause disfiguration if not treated properly.

The Web offers many options for staying connected and keeping loved ones updated on your or your family member's health issues. These methods are fast, easy, and efficient, and you'll know your support network is right there with you as a part of your journey. When Jennifer Wilson Cooper learned she had ovarian cancer, she launched a blog as a way to share her story with others and to make it easy for friends and family to keep up with her progress. Little did she know she'd quickly-and dramatically-expand her circle of friends (you can follow Cooper's journey on her blog, Four Seeds, which is featured in Quality Health's free cancer newsletter and on the QualityHealth.

Almost a quarter of a million Americans are diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma every year, and the numbers are growing. But what are the causes and warning signs? And are you doing enough to protect yourself? See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! Almost a quarter of a million Americans are diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma every year—and the number is growing. But what are the causes and warning signs? And what can you do to protect yourself? This kind of skin cancer may look like a red and scaly patch on your skin or a nodule.

Many people only discover they have cancer when something turns up on an x-ray, ultrasound, or other routine test. Unfortunately, the disease may then be in its later (and more difficult-to-treat) stages. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! Many people only discover they have cancer when something turns up on an x-ray, ultrasound, or other routine test. Unfortunately, the disease may then be in its later (and more difficult-to-treat) stages.

You've heard about the health dangers of tanning booths: skin cancer and eye damage, to name just two. But if you simply can't get the desire for bronze out of your head, it's time to walk away from the tanning bed...and over to your fridge. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! Over and over again, you've heard about the dangers of tanning booths—skin cancer and eye damage, to name just two. But what if you simply can't get the desire for bronze out of your head?  Then, it's time to walk away from the tanning bed.

The numbers and letters that describe cancer can sound mysterious and scary. Understanding how they are determined can help. When your physician diagnoses you with cancer, she then needs to determine the stage of your cancer. For patients, the numbers and letters that describe cancer can sound mysterious and scary. Here is a brief overview of cancer staging. What is Cancer Staging? Staging describes how advanced your disease is and whether it has spread beyond the initial tumor site.

An estimated 15 million Americans suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Many of them will turn to a tanning salon to see if a shot of artificial sun can help banish their blues. If you’re tempted to join them, think again. An estimated 15 million Americans suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Many of them will turn to a tanning salon to see if a shot of artificial sun can help banish their blues. If you're tempted to join them, think again. Winter depression can range from mild blues to full-blown Seasonal Affective Disorder.

With winter comes a craving for a little sunshine. But as we soak up the season's rays, it can be easy to forget about one big health essential: sunscreen. Is your sunscreen packed away with your beach clothes and sandals? You may want to reconsider and take out that sunscreen for winter. Activities such as shoveling, skiing, and even sitting by a window can put you at risk for sun damage, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

If you have dark skin, you may think you don't need to worry about skin cancer. But your decreased risk may make you less aware of warning signs. And if you don't recognize these, the long-term consequences could be even more dangerous. If you have a darker complexion, you may think you don't need to worry about skin cancer. To a certain degree, you're right. People with fair complexions have a much higher incidence of skin cancer. But your decreased risk may make you less aware of warning signs and not as conscious about protecting yourself the way that you should.

The most common type of cancer in the United States is also widely misunderstood. Take action to keep you and your family safe from skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, but it's also widely misunderstood. Exposing the myths and taking action can go a long way in keeping you and your loved ones safe. There are two types of skin cancer: non-melanoma (basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas) and melanoma.

If you've been diagnosed with cancer, you probably want to start—-and complete—-treatment as soon as possible. However, there are times when physicians will postpone chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is one of the main components of cancer treatment for many patients. Oncologists often prescribe chemotherapy in conjunction with surgery or radiation to eradicate tumors and help prevent recurrence. If you've been diagnosed with cancer, you probably want to start-and complete-treatment as soon as possible.

Here, solutions to help relieve peeling skin due to the scorching sun and to those many days at the beach. If summer sun has left you burned, dry, and peeling, try these seven tips to restore your skin to its natural beauty. Take a Cool Bath or Shower. Bathing in cool water can help cool down your skin and slow down the peeling process. Choose a moisturizing soap; don't use any that could irritate skin.

Despite all the warnings about the link between the sun and skin cancer, many people still try to keep tanned. So that prompts us to ask the question: how much tanning is too much? Despite all the warnings about the link between the sun and skin cancer, many people still try to get--and keep--a tan. So that prompts us to ask the question: How much tanning is too much? If you are one of the many people addicted to sun tanning (yes, it is addictive), the answer will disappoint you.

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that can strike in unexpected places, including the eye. Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that can strike in unexpected places—including the eye. Melanoma of the eye, also called ocular or uveal melanoma, arises in the uveal tract of the eye. The uveal tract includes the iris (the colored part of the eye), the muscles that change the size of the pupil and shape of the lens (ciliary body), and the layer of blood vessels (choroid) that supports the eye.

Men who have asthma are less likely to be diagnosed with common forms of cancer than their healthier counterparts. Common asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and chest discomfort can play an important role to ward off cancer. If you're a male with asthma, did you know that this condition could actually be good for your health? Researchers now believe this is true—at least when it comes to reducing your risk of being diagnosed with some of the most common forms of cancers.

Sun exposure is the single biggest risk factor for skin cancers, so here's what you need to know about sunscreens. Sunscreens are an important component of overall sun protection, but SPF ratings and confusing marketing language on sunscreen packaging make it difficult to evaluate what you are purchasing. Roughly one million Americans were diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer in 2009.

Americans are exposed to about 100,000 chemicals daily, and scientists have linked at least 220 of them to the development of cancer. Americans are exposed to about 100,000 chemicals daily, and scientists have linked at least 220 of them to the development of cancer. It's impossible to eliminate our exposure to all potentially harmful substances. However, we can take steps to reduce our risk from common cancer-causing substances.

Vodka, duct tape, and baking soda are just some of the bizarre home cures that really work. If you are a do-it-yourself person and don't want to always rely on a doctor to cure your health issues, you may be in luck. You can use duct tape, baking soda, and an assortment of other bizarre home cures, depending on your ailment, to improve your health.

Stopping melanoma is a fight you can take on yourself. Here, tips on how to keep your skin cancer-free. Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer and the leading cause of all skin cancer-related deaths. However, you don't have to live in fear of this disease. You can do a lot to prevent it in the first place. Here are a few tips to fight melanoma.

Melanoma is often thought of as just a skin condition. What most don't know is how this form of cancer can occur in other places as well. Melanomas are the most serious type of skin cancer. However, melanoma also shows up in unusual places. Doctors often call them hidden melanomas because they are found in places you don't normally expect or check. Eye. Although rare, melanoma can occur in the middle of the three layers of the eye, called the uvea or uveal tract, which includes the iris (colored area), ciliary body (muscles that change size of pupil and shape of lens) and choroid (blood vessels that feed the eye).

Genes play a large role in whether or not someone is susceptible to a particular disease or condition. Find out if your family history raising your risk of skin cancer. There are two main types of skin cancer. Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. The National Cancer Institute predicts more than one million new cases in 2009. Ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure is a primary risk factor for skin cancer.

More than 1 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in 2009. But there are things you can do to prevent the disease. Being diagnosed with any type of cancer is a frightening experience. But a diagnosis of skin cancer may be particularly scary, because in many cases, the patient has limited knowledge about what contributes to the condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control, skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignant form of cancer in the United States, surpassing lung, breast, colon, and prostate cancer.

Here's a simple way to get to know your moles. If you're like most people, you have between 10 and 40 moles. Moles can be skin-colored or different shades of pink and brown, they can be raised or flat, and can change over time. Some changes are natural, but some can be indications of melanoma—the most deadly form of skin cancer.

Tanning addiction can cause serious health issues. Will teens be banned in order to protect them? Find out here. Does your teen visit a tanning salon to keep a golden glow year round? If so, he or she is not alone. In 2003, more than one quarter of teens between 15 and 18 visited a salon. Tanning bed use is increasing in teens, especially girls. So is the incidence of skin cancer.

While sunglasses can give you an aura of glamour, don't forget that their primary purpose is to protect your eyes from the sun. But don't worry: You can still create the fashion statement you want while preserving your vision and the entire area around your eyes. While sunglasses can give you an aura of glamour or "casual cool", don't forget that the primary reason for wearing them is to protect your eyes from the sun. But you can still create the fashion image you want while preserving your vision and the entire area around your eyes.

When it comes it sun exposure, too much of a good thing can lead to skin cancer. While it does not get quite as much press as breast or prostate cancer, skin cancer is actually the most common form of cancer. Physicians diagnose about one million people with non-melanoma skin cancer every year and attribute about 90 percent of these cases to sun exposure.

Don't let outdoor activities put you at risk for skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. In fact, more people develop skin cancer than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer combined. The American Cancer Society attributes most cases of skin cancers to sun exposure. While it's impossible to avoid the sun-and you shouldn't-you can protect yourself from the sun's damaging rays.

When it comes to UV exposure, is your town savvy or foolish? Find out here. It's no secret that protecting yourself from the sun can make you look years younger, not to mention lower your risk of skin cancer. But as it turns out, certain cities are savvier about UV protection than others. Which locations are the most and least UV aware? It's not just a matter of getting the most sunshine (sun-drenched locales like Miami and Tucson didn't make the list).

Their symptoms may sound scary, but most of these conditions can be successfully treated with simple medications. Fluid-emitting blisters. Itchy, ring-shaped rashes. Crusty, painful sores. These symptoms of the skin may sound scary (and revolting), but, really, they're quite treatable—usually don't last for more than a couple of weeks. What is scary, though, is their highly infectious factor (some can be transferred through simply sharing hairbrushes or sleeping in the same bed.

Find out if your weird rashes, twitches, lumps and bumps are signs of something serious. You're showering after a workout at the gym when you notice something strange. There's a weird rash on your leg, a bump on your navel or maybe just a couple of indentations on your nail. It definitely isn't normal. But is it a sign of something serious?   Knowing what your body is trying to tell you isn't easy, especially when it comes to more unusual symptoms like these.

Before you splurge on the latest anti-wrinkle cream or step inside a tanning booth, check out these common misconceptions. Greasy foods give you acne. Dry skin leads to wrinkles. Sunscreen blocks UV rays. These are just a few of the most common skin-care mythsand by this point, you've probably heard them all. Some of these myths promise overnight acne fixes, while others suggest amazing anti-aging effects.

Babies' skin is especially sensitive to the sun's harsh rays. Here are ways you can protect your little one. You want to take your baby outside to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, but you also want to be sure you protect him from sunburn. Follow these guidelines, whether you're taking your child to the beach or out for a stroll in the park. For starters, infants younger than 6 months old should not be exposed to strong, direct sunlight, according to experts.

The outlook for people diagnosed with cancer has improved significantly, but when will we find a cure? Virtually everyone will be touched by cancer at some point in their lives, whether through a personal diagnosis or a loved one's struggle with the disease. So when we read magazine articles proclaiming earth-shattering discoveries that will lead to a single, reliable treatment, we want to believe them.