By Jarrah Burgess

• Skin cancer develops when the molecule in cells that encodes genetic information becomes damaged and the body cannot repair the damage. These damages cell begin to grow and divide uncontrollably. When this occurs in the skin, skin cancer develops. As the damaged cells grow larger they from a tumor.Since skin cancer generally happens in the outer layer of the skin a tumor is very is easy to see because a mark will appear on the skin. This makes most skin cancer very detectable during the early stages.

Some of the most common signs of skin cancer are having moles and freckles on the skin.Some other causes can be changes in your skin like a rash or a sore that does not heal.Also you can detect skin cancer if any lumps that are pink or pale appear on your body.

You can get skin cancer by spending to much time in the sun this causes UV radiation to damage your cells causing a melanoma to appear.Some other causes of skin cancer are using solariums very often.

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If a mark in our skin appears and it is similar to this is it’s highly recommended to see a Doctor.

• Skin cancer is not as risky if detected early. If detected early rather that later it is not as harmful and much easier to treat. If detected later the cancer has had a lot longer to grow and will make a much bigger effect on the body causing you to be very ill and possibly die.

• 1. Reduce Sun Exposure • Especially between 11 am and 4 pm, when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest. • 2. Shade your Skin  • Where a hat or sit under trees when out side. • Where suitable clothing for the condition that may at hand.• Wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection.  • 3. Beware of clouds • Up to 80% of the sun’s rays can penetrate light clouds, mist and fog. You can still get a sunburn on a

cloudy day. • 4. Remember about Reflection • Water, sand, snow and concrete can reflect up to 80% of the sun’s damaging rays.  • 5. Slop on the Sunscreen • Use 30+ sunscreen when playing out doors. • 6. Avoid tanning salons and sunlamps • These lights emit mostly UVA radiation – up to 2 – 5 times as much as natural sunlight. UVA radiation

causes sunburn, premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. • 7. Protect Children  • The most harmful effects of sun exposure occur during early childhood. Keep babies under 1 year out of

direct sunlight. Once infants turn 6 months of age, begin using a sunscreen for added protection.  • 8. Spot Check Your Moles • Keep a eye on moles and any changes with your skin.

By Jarrah Burgess