“Basal cell carcinoma skin cancer is the most common form of skin cancer”. It’s a common claim and one which is undoubtedly true – non-melanoma skin cancers (or NMSCs) are seen far more frequently than any other form of cancer. Unfortunately, however, due to their frequency, statistics on the incidence of NMSCs (which include basal cell carcinomas, BCCs, and squamous cell carcinomas, SCCs, of the skin) are difficult to find and cross-reference.
Recognising this gap, a research group from the University of Nottingham established a literature review to try and establish what comparable published data could be found to determine the incidence of NMSCs. Whittling down some 3083 publications, the group identified 75 papers which provided suitable information, covering 38 countries from 1955-2007. (more…)
Myth 4: I need lots of sun exposure to create vitamin D
While the evidence linking sunbeds to the development of skin cancer continues to mount, recent research provides new insight into the underlying mechanisms.
A recent study of melanoma in children and young adults indicates that there may be greater risk of metastasis, or spread, of the cancer in younger patients. The study, conducted by researchers at Baltimore’s John Hopkins Children’s Center, involved analysis of 2008 SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) data on melanoma cases from 2003 to 2008. A total of 717 children and 1368 adults, aged 20-24, were diagnosed during this time.
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Ultraviolet (UV) radiation forms part of the electromagnetic spectrum between visible light and X-rays; it is invisible to the human eye. UV light can be separated into three bands, UVA (400-320nm), UVB (320-290nm) and UVC (290-100nm). Of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface from the sun, approximately 6% is UVB and 94% UVA.
Cancer Council Australia has launched one of the strongest public attacks to date on the use and regulation of sunbeds in the country. This follows a report that some solarium devices emit UV radiation six times stronger than the sun at midday in Australia.
May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month in the US, and with summer just around the corner in the northern hemisphere, this is a timely reminder of the dangers of unprotected UV exposure.
