The Whole Truth About Sunlight, Cancer and Sunscreens

Humans have been living on this Earth for at least four million years. The sun has been shining for about 4.6 billion years and it has been shining on our Earth for most of that time. Strangely, no animal ever contracted skin cancer from being out in the sun and humans rarely did until about 50 years ago.

We have been told that this increase in skin cancer is due to a "hole" in the ozone layer. Actually there is no "hole". However, the ozone layer is thinning in some areas, predominately at the South Pole in the fall and winter seasons. The ozone layer, approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) above the earth, acts as a shield to prevent dangerous radiation from reaching the biosphere. There is also a minor amount of thinning in the northern hemisphere and little or none in the tropics.

The incidence of all forms of skin cancer are highest in the tropics, where there is virtually no thinning of the ozone layer.

In 1991 Professor Johan Moan of the Norwegian Cancer Institute found that the yearly incidence of melanoma in Norway had increased by 350% for men and by 440% for women between 1957 and 1984. He also determined that there had been no change in the ozone layer over this period of time. He concludes his report in the British Journal of Cancer by stating: "Ozone depletion is not the cause of the increase in skin cancers". Unless these folks spent a fair amount of time hanging out in the Antarctic wearing bikinis, he is probably correct.

Skin cancer has increased all over the world, about 90% in the USA from 1974-1990. This skin cancer increase is too large (90%) compared with the expected value (40%) from ozone depletion. Also, cancer does not develop immediately after exposure to the sun. The sunburns may occur within hours, but cancer development and detection may take years or decades. If the depletion of the ozone layer over Antarctica is not causing the huge increase in skin cancer, what is?

It is interesting to note that chemical sunscreen was introduced in the late 1920's and by 1936 the first commercially available sunscreen product was being sold by L'Oreal. Also, Monsanto began producing artificial chemicals in 1901. Why is this bit of information important?

First, let's take a look at our skin, and the damage we do to it before we even go out into the sun.

There are an estimated 250 species of bacteria that reside on your skin. They are there for a reason. Sebum, secreted by the sebaceous glands in the skin, is an oily substance composed of wax monoesters, triglycerides, free fatty acids and squalene, and again, it is there for a reason. These bacteria and oily substances PROTECT the skin. We seem to have invented endless ways to destroy this protective barrier starting with the water we bathe, shower and swim in. A survey by the Environmental Working Group found 141 unregulated chemicals and an additional 119 for which the Environmental Protection Agency has set health-based limits. Most common among the chemicals found were disinfection byproducts, nitrates, chloroform, barium, arsenic and copper, and of course chlorine, fluoride and PCBs ,THMs and heavy metals. These chemicals not only strip the skin of its natural protection, they are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream where they continue to cause damage.

We also have a tendency to destroy this protective barrier with various chemicals and soaps. We slather our skin with every toxic chemical imaginable, most of which gets absorbed into our bloodstream. There are over 150 cancer-causing chemicals currently used in cosmetics. Although federal law requires products containing these ingredients to carry a written warning label, the FDA does not enforce this law. The FDA claims that these products are safe because they are not consumed orally. Can it be possible that the folks at the FDA are not aware of the many drugs that are administered through the skin because the skin is porous and allows most drugs and chemicals to be absorbed?

You would be amazed to find what the FDA allows to be sold as long as it says, "for external use only." The assumption is that it will stay external and not be absorbed into the body, so its toxicity is irrelevant. Hello!! Who are we kidding? Sunscreen ingredients absorb into the blood, and most are linked to toxic effects. Some release skin-damaging free radicals in sunlight, some disrupt hormone systems, several are strongly linked to allergic reactions, and others build up in the body or the environment. According to the Environmental Working Group only 15% of 952 products analyzed actually block UVA and UVB radiation, remain stable in sunlight, and contain few toxic chemicals.

Here is a short list of some of the stuff we regularly put on our skin without a second thought. The toxic effects recognized by the FDA are included:

OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-)
(Active Ingredient)858%Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Violations, Restrictions & Warnings, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Enhanced skin absorption, Biochemical or cellular level changes

PEG-100 STEARATE 479%Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Contamination concerns

(ETHYLENE OXIDE 1,4DIOXANETRIETHANOLAMINE767%Cancer, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Contamination concerns

(NITROSAMINES) MICRONIZED ZINC OXIDE
(Active Ingredient)276%Violations, Restrictions & Warnings, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Occupational hazards

TITANIUM DIOXIDE 173%Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes

(HYDROQUINONE)OCTINOXATE (OCTYLMETHOXYCINNAMATE)
OCTINOXATE (ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE)
(Active Ingredient)478%Allergies/immunotoxicity, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Enhanced skin absorption, Biochemical or cellular level changes

BUTYLPARABEN 477%Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Biochemical or cellular level changes

There are HUNDREDS more but I don't want to bore you here, just WAKE you up!! Is it logical to cover yourself with this stuff, then go out into the sun and let it bake in? Geez, you can cause untold damage to your largest external organ AND your internal organs simultaneously!

The sun is NOT your enemy! Sure, in some areas at some times you will have to spend less time in the sun to avoid getting burned, but sunlight is VITAL. Sunlight allows your body to produce natural vitamin D and increased melatonin, both of which are essential.

Vitamin D levels are linked to survival rates for cancer patients. Those people who live in sunnier southern latitudes and have higher vitamin D levels are less likely to die from cancer than people in northern latitudes.

Rates of major cancers such as colon, lung, breast and prostate increased from north to south, while survival rates decreased from north to south.

Vitamin D may protect against cancer by discouraging out-of-control cell reproduction and hindering the formation of new blood vessels for tumors. Receptors that respond to vitamin D have been found in almost every cell in your body, from your brain to your bones. Optimizing your vitamin D levels, (through safe sun exposure) could help you to prevent as many as 16 different types of cancer including pancreatic, lung, breast, ovarian, prostate, and colon cancers. Vitamin D does not just impact your cancer risk slightly; it can cut your risk by as much as 60 %.

This is not to say that you should not be cautious. A severe burn is obviously damaging. However, a mild sunburn is not dangerous as long as the skin has been allowed to retain its natural protective barrier and is not marinated in a chemical cocktail. A slight sunburn is your body's natural way of letting you know that it's time to get out of the sun, it also helps to remove the outermost layer of dead skin with fresh new skin, thus reducing wrinkles! People pay money for this, it's called "dermabrasion" and "chemical peels", you can have it done naturally at no charge by getting a mild sunburn.

Sunlight is vital to almost every living organism, and is our greatest ally in sustaining good health.
by Rebecca Jablonski - http://creatingwealthandhealth.info/

What is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a special technique used by specially trained dermatologists and surgeons developed in the 1930s and named for Dr. Frederic Mohs. The technique is used to remove skin cancers in areas in which tissue preservation is needed, especially the face. The procedure is performed using local anesthesia. The surgeon removes the skin cancer and immediately looks at the specimen under a microscope to determine if all of the tumor has been removed. If tumor is at the edges of the specimen, additional tissue removal is undertaken in a sequential fashion until there is no tumor left. Cure rates for this type of removal in certain places are even better than conventional surgery.

What is the advantage to Mohs?

Because of the technique and the immediate analysis, the technique allows for removal of as little tissue as possible. In conventional surgical techniques, a certain amount of normal tissue is removed as a 'margin.' Because the Mohs surgeon has the ability to rapidly determine if additional tissue needs to be removed, a surgical margin is not necessary. In areas such as the nose, eyelids, and ears, this is extremely important to maintain as much of the normal shape as possible?

What tumors are treated by Mohs surgery?

Generally skin cancers are treated with Mohs surgery. The most common skin cancers, basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer, are easily treated with Mohs surgery. Melanoma often requires large margins and sometimes additional lymph node analysis and is not usually treated with Mohs surgery. Other forms of skin cancer can be treated with Mohs surgery as well.

What happens after the tumor is removed?

After tumor removal, the Mohs surgeon may close the defect directly. If the defect is large, or in a cosmetically sensitive area, he may refer the patient to a facial plastic or general plastic surgeon for repair of the defect. A qualified reconstructive surgeon can repair Mohs defects fairly easily, most without general anesthesia.
by D.J. Verret - learn more at mohssurgery.org
Don't forget to know about Photodynamic Therapy

The Relationship of Odor and Skin Cancer

A new study has exposed that skin odor can be employed to recognize basal cell cancer, the most widespread type of skin cancer.

The skin of human being gives rise to various airborne chemical particles called as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and almost all of them are scented. The study actually took place when doctors got the VOC reports from patients suffering from basal cell cancer and evaluated them with the reports of healthy people.

It was concluded that both had the same arrangement of substances. The only dissimilarity found was the quantity of those definite substances. Some samples had increased and others had decreased amount of these substances from basal cell carcinoma sites.

Now, this had led to further investigations in researching and distinguishing skin odor reports with other kinds of skin cancer.

Researchers further came across more than hundred diverse chemical substances coming from skin. Growing old had no effect on kinds of VOCs detected in the reports of the human body, but, it only affected the amount of few chemical substances. These substances existed in larger quantities in younger people than in older ones. This research was done by taking odor samples from both men and women and was taken from different areas of the human body.

These studies had extensive repercussions. These researches may aid in developing innovative ways to examine skin for signals of varied health conditions. It is believed that such extensive researching of the chemical substances associated with skin odor could also guide to growth of more effectual anti-aging skin care merchandise.
by Pauline Go - Health Coverage For Alternative Medicine

Photodynamic Therapy

There will be nearly 11,000 deaths from skin cancer in 2006 — about 8,000 from melanoma and 3,000 from other skin cancers, says the American Cancer Society.
Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers and accounts for almost half of all cancers in the United States. There are two types of skin cancer, nonmelanoma and melanoma.
U.S. doctors find more than 1 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer, usually in a patient´s basal cells or squamous cells. Exposing skin — the face, ear, neck, lips, and the backs of the hands — to the sun causes most nonmelanoma skin cancer. It accounts for just a small percentage of skin cancer, but it causes most skin cancer deaths. Melanoma is a cancer that begins in the pigment cells that produce the skin coloring (melanin) which helps protect deeper layers of the skin from the sun´s harmful rays.

Photodynamic Therapy
Both nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancers respond to photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatment for skin cancer that combines a light source and a photosensitizing agent (a drug that is activated by light) to destroy cancer cells. A photosensitizing agent, for example fluorouracil, spread on the skin makes PDT work, because the agent collects more readily in cancer cells than in normal cells. Exposing the agent to light makes it react with oxygen to create chemicals that can kill a skin cancer cell. It´s less effective for treating large tumors, because the light cannot pass deep into the tumors. Because it´s a localized treatment, doctors don´t use PDT to treat skin cancer that has metastasized.
Doctors sometimes use PDT in precancerous treatments. Check to see the patient´s age, if the patient is over 60 years old, the case is probably not cosmetic. Also see, success story with Vitamin C or what are vitamins and herbs for life.

Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon Voted One of Dallas' Top Cosmetic Surgeons

Benjamin Bassichis, MD, FACS, a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon, has been voted one of the best cosmetic surgeons in Dallas. D Magazine's highly respected and confidential Best Doctor poll asks approximately 6,000 local physicians to name two doctors they would send their patients or loved ones to in each of 39 specialties. An outside marketing firm computed the results to determine the Top Doctors in Dallas.

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) September 19, 2008 -- For the fourth consecutive year in a row, Dr. Benjamin Bassichis has been selected by his peers as one of the best plastic surgeons in Dallas, according to the October 2008 issue of D Magazine. D Magazine's confidential poll was sent to about 6,000 local doctors across the spectrum of medical and surgical specialties. They were asked to name two doctors they would send their patients or loved ones to in each of 39 specialties. An outside marketing firm then tallied the results.

Director of the Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery Center in Dallas, Dr. Bassichis is a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon specializing exclusively in cosmetic procedures of the face and neck. Featuring both non-surgical and surgical treatments for facial rejuvenation, he uses the latest proven techniques to provide long-lasting natural results that allow his patients' own beauty to shine. With services ranging from facelifts, eyelid surgeries, and rhinoplasties to skin cancer reconstructions, facial injectables, and laser services, Dr. Bassichis customizes each procedure to achieve the most natural-appearing results for each of his patients.

In addition to his expertise in surgical procedures of the face and neck, Dr. Bassichis is a leading national expert on today's popular non-surgical treatments, such as Botox Cosmetic, Restylane, and Juvederm. With his holistic approach to facial health, Dr. Bassichis has incorporated a comprehensive Facial Health Maintenance Program into his practice which advocates a life-long commitment to superior skin health, beauty, and facial rejuvenation by utilizing the latest facial wellness and medical spa technologies.

Double Board Certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Bassichis' dedication to excellence in his field and to his patients awarded him the Best Doctor distinction. Dr. Bassichis serves as Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Texas-Southwestern Medical Center and volunteers his time at the Dallas Veterans Hospital instructing training physicians in the Operating Room.

For more information about Dr. Bassichis including a press kit, please call 972-774-1777 or view the website at www.advancedfacialplastic.com

Using Sun Screen to Protect Your Skin From Forming Malignant Melanoma

Sunscreen Application

Did you know that 1 oz. of sunscreen is the approximate amount of sun block that needs to be applied to your body? (Measurement on AVG) Using higher doses of SPF sun screen can be the ultimate protection for sensitive skin areas like the Nose, Feet, Ears (especially the top and lobes of the ears) and shoulders. Thighs have been known to get tender from the sun so apply as needed. What about the lips? Well sun-block wasn't designed for the lips so SPF lip balm should be applied to avoid cracked or sunburned lips.

The best time to apply sunscreen is a half hour before you are exposed to the sun. This gives ample time for your skin to absorb the sun block. UV rays can even penetrate the clouds and cause skin problems so it's recommended to apply sun block even when it's cloudy.

Breakdown of skin types

Obviously every person is unique and their skin type varies person to person so here's the skinny....

Fair skin is quite sensitive to the sun and can burn easy. Folks with fair skin often burn and should use a sun block of SPF 30 and up. People that have darker skin tones are not likely to burn as much as folks with fair skin. This doesn't mean they are at risk for skin cancer. Long exposure can still lead to nasty skin wrinkles and cancer. I guess it really doesn't matter what your skin type is. The fact of the matter is sunscreen with minimum of 15 SPF is recommended to be worn year round. EVERYONE can be at risk to burns and cancer if long exposure to UV rays goes untreated.

Severe sunburns are BRIGHT red skin, bubbling blisters, fever, chills & nausea. Severe burns can often lead to Heat Exhaust or Heat Stroke. (2nd / 3rd Degree Burn)

Moderate burns can be described as red skin, itching & stinging (2nd Degree Burn)

Mild sun burns are pinkish skin color and later peel off. It should not go un-noticed that mild burns can still lead to cancer. Do not under estimate the power of the sun's UV.....

So you have a Burn

Did you get fried from the suns' UV rays? Now what? A common method from sun burns is to take a cool bath. There are even theories of oatmeal or cornstarch added to cool water help. Be sure you don't scrub your skin; just use a soft towel to pat your body dry.

If your burn is severe and you feel extremely uncomfortable then you need to get your butt to the doc... When it's all said and done nobody gets hurt until the doc saves your life. So don't be stubborn you may have heat exhaust or stroke so act quick.
by Nathan E Peterson - http://www.poundinghearts.com/

Boost Your Antioxidant Levels With Natural Beverages To Fight Skin Cancer

Antioxidants, what are they and why do I need them? Well antioxidants are your bodies natural defense to fighting off cancer. They are mostly found in a wide variety of berries and fruit juices that are highest when occurring in their natural state. The most commonly herd of place to find high levels of antioxidants is in the blueberry and grape families. Just try to be aware of a few things while you are looking around for that perfect fruit to fit your lifestyle.

In the blueberry family, there are actually many different variety of berries. The same goes for any fruit. The rule of thumb seems to be that the smaller and darker the berry, the higher the antioxidant levels are. That is, in the blueberry family. If you decide that you enjoy raspberries far better than you are in far better luck. In a study done by the University of Utah students, the Caroline Raspberry has an extremely high level of antioxidants which surpasses those of the blueberry. It also has an amazing size. These would be the beauties to grow or look for in the farmers market world if you can find them. The flavor is also so out of this world you'll thank me for it!

Keep in mind though, any source of antioxidants will help protect your body. The more different sources we can find the better. It's always a good idea to remember to eat at least 5 different colors of fruits and vegetables a day. Make it a commitment that's tasty and pleasing to your body. Not only will you be getting good levels of antioxidants, but also vitamins minerals and fiber.

Nutralite is a global company who has always managed to broaden their horizons in every way. With over six-thousand acres of organic farmland to harvest their crops from to make and manufacture products that are healthy and wholesome. This company has developed something so wonderful it is good for everyone, even people with diabetes.

Twist Tubes, as they are called, are wonderful little tubes that you simply twist the top off and pour the concentrate into your bottled water. (Just don't forget to take a little sip first!) The blueberry is a concentrated formula chalk full of antioxidants that your body needs to help fend off cancer causing agents. The most common threat these days is skin cancer because of the diminishing atmosphere and the suns damaging rays.

If you aren't into eating a lot of dark berries which are great for antioxidants try some grapes or raspberries. If fruit just isn't your thing, than you may want a supplement of some kind and this may be just the thing for you. They cost about the same price as other water additives minus the aspartame, a cancer causing agent. So pour a glass and a toast to your health. These are most delicious treats and also diabetic friendly at just eight calories and one carb per serving. With that being said you just can't go wrong.
by Mary Pat Luchini - http://www.myfindoutmore.com

Success Story - With Vitamin C

Before I tell my story of how I believe a very simple, extremely cost effective, and totally natural treatment got rid of a basal cell carcinoma skin cancer, I want to clarify that I am not a medical professional, but rather simply a "lay person" who experimented with this method.

Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I'm going to tell you the story of my experience with a topical vitamin C solution and how it got rid of my basal cell carcinoma lesion within a matter of days.

You see, I have a history of getting basal cell carcinoma skin cancers, which are not a serious form of skin cancer, are extremely slow to metastasize (spread), and rarely turn into a more serious form of invasive skin cancer. Hence, their name, they stay on the surface of the skin for the most part, and therefore could potentially go for years without spreading. However, it is still important to identify and remove them since there still could be a chance of further mutation.

The areas I had these skin cancers were on my forehead, right where my skin met my hair line, and also a spot on my chest, right between my breasts. The reason I had gone in to get them checked out by a professional was because they seemed to be wounds that would not heal. At first I thought the one on my forehead was actually a burn from a curling iron, but when I noticed it has a smooth, shiny surface, and kept crusting over and would never heal, I became suspicious.

A doctor referred me to a dermatologist, who removed both spots that would never heal and sent them away for lab testing. They were confirmed as basal cell carcinoma skin cancers, and I was scheduled from then on to have twice-annual checkups for these suspicious skin lesions, especially since I have a family history of skin cancer.

Because of this experience, I started to do self checks as well, especially looking for spots on my face and forehead, since those are areas that get the most sun exposure by default because they are always the first to face the sunlight. I had notice just about two months ago that another spot, which I initially thought was a blemish, had shown up virtually right over where my white scar was on my forehead from the last basal removal.

I also noticed that this one was smooth and shiny, and pink, and never healed after weeks of existence. So, I started reading online for how to get rid of basal cell carcinomas naturally, with a topical Vitamin C treatment, since I had remembered reading about this months ago when surfing the internet reading unrelated alternative medicine news.

Lo and behold, I found that many people reported getting rid of these minor skin cancers by simply applying a concentrated Vitamin C solution, the ascorbic acid form, directly to the "tumor" two to three times a day for anywhere from a few days to two weeks. They reported several successes, with the tumor falling off within days or weeks.

I figured, what did I have to lose, and because I really didn't want another scar on my body, especially on my face, and knew that if I went back to the doctor they would surgically remove it again and put stitches in it, not to mention it would cost me quite a bit in medical fees even with insurance, I made the personal decision to forgo that and try to get rid of this naturally, on my own. I went to a natural foods store and purchased a quarter pound of ascorbic acid powder, which cost me not even three dollars. It is a fine white powder that contains about 5,000 mg. or vitamin C per teaspoon, so it's quite concentrated.

I mixed a tiny bit of solution at a time, putting as much of the powder in a solution of water as I could with it still staying a solution instead of a paste, as instructed by the sources I researched. I would then swab it onto the wound with a q-tip several times a day. I noticed that when I applied it, it stung really bad, but only on the wound site and not on the surrounding skin, so I researched this and was comforted to know that it only kills the cancerous cells, not the healthy skin cells, so this explained why it left the healthy surrounding skin unaffected.

Supposedly, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), is selectively toxic to cancer cells, at least basal cell carcinoma cells as far as I know. This stinging and burning went on for the next several days, and the wound turned a bright red for about two days before it finally crusted over, and fell right off.

While I never got this examined to see if it was indeed a basal cell skin cancer, I am personally convinced that it was, and that Vitamin C was natural "cure" for it, and worked.

While I couldn't recommend this over medical advice, I can say that I personally believe it worked for me, and I took the personal chance of not going to the doctor's to get it diagnosed or tested before "self treating". My previous experience made me comfortable enough to take this route, however, that may not be the case with everyone, and medical advice should be probably be seeked out prior to taking on a treatment yourself.

by Danna Schneider - hair removal products

Tea And Skin Cancer at a Glance

Tea for Skin Cancer
What I love about natural skin care is that you don't risk getting nasty side effects from chemicals that don't work well with your skin. There are many skin care products for men that contain natural ingredients, for example grapefruit is commonly used for anti-aging skin care and so on. Now recent research also suggests that a cup of tea a day keeps skin cancer away.
In a study of nearly 2,200 adults, researchers found that tea drinkers had a lower risk of developing squamous cell or basal cell carcinoma, the two most common forms of skin cancer.
Men and woman who had been loyal tea drinkers for years, drinking more than a cup a day, where 20-30 percent less likely to get skin cancer. And those who had been drinking tea for decades had of course an even more lesser chance to get cancer.
Of course these researches doesn't mean that we can just sit under the sun with no sun screen as long as we drink tea. Tea just gives us an extra layer of protection next to regular sun care. So drinking tea won't make you immune from nasty sun burns, but adding tea to your regular diet and always wearing proper sun care is a sure way to steer out of the way of skin cancer.
So to sum it all up drinking tea helps to reduce skin cancer but you always have to use sun screen when going out to the sun, especially men who are more prone to skin cancer.
By Joqtan A.

Skin Cancer At A Glance

• There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma (the nonmelanoma skin cancers), and melanoma.

• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in humans.

• Ultraviolet light, which is in sunlight, is the main cause of skin cancer.

• The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change in the appearance of the skin, such as a new growth or a sore that will not heal. Unexplained changes in the appearance of the skin lasting longer than two weeks should be evaluated by a doctor.

• Nonmelanoma skin cancer is generally curable. The cure rate for nonmelanoma skin cancer could be 100% if these lesions were brought to a doctor's attention before they had a chance to spread. Treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer depends on the type and location of the skin cancer, the risk of scarring, as well as the age and health of the patient. Methods used include curettage and desiccation, surgical excision, cryosurgery, radiation, and Mohs micrographic surgery.

• Avoiding sun exposure in susceptible individuals is the best way to lower the risk for all types of skin cancer. Regular surveillance of susceptible individuals, both by self-examination and regular physical examination, is also a good idea for people at higher risk. People who have already had any form of skin cancer should have regular medical checkups.

Alternate Treatment for Skin Cancer

Skin cancer can happen to anyone and those at risk need to be smart and seek professional advice and/or early treatment. If you get sunburns quite easily or have very light skin you would be more susceptible. One of the most obvious things to think about is if you have skin cancer, which runs in your family. All doctors agree on one thing and that is of all the major types of skin cancer, early detection and treatment is your best chances for winning the game. “The three major types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Malignant melanoma causes more than 75% of all deaths from skin cancer. For Skin Cancer; Early Treatment Wins the Game and thus ask your doctor to look at the spots on your skin to make sure they are not cancerous and keep an eye on them, be smart. Skin cancer treatment is given to a patient to destroy and remove a cancer and leave as small and unnoticeable scar as possible. The size and location of the skin cancer, patients medical history, patients health, patient's age and the risk of scarring will help to determine the best form of skin cancer treatment for the patient. Skin cancer treatment is usually a form of surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The doctor may even suggest a combination of these methods to eradicate the skin cancer from the patient.

They are three alternate treatment for skin cancer :

• Surgery provides an easy and quick method to remove the skin cancer. The cancer is cut from the skin and the recovery time is very short.
• Mohs surgery is a special skin cancer treatment that aims at removing a minimal amount of healthy tissue and all of the cancerous tissue. It is also used for treating recurring cancers and large tumours in hard-to-treat places. 4. Laser therapy is used for treating cancer involving the outer layer of skin where a narrow beam of light removes or destroys cancer cells.
• Precancerous skin conditions and small skin cancers are best treated with cryosurgery. Even though there is effective skin cancer treatment, it can reoccur somewhere else on the skin. This is why follow up treatments with regular doctor checkups, regular self examinations and following of the doctor's instructions are important to minimize the risk of skin cancer recurring again. If you have skin cancer you may be constantly concerned about the cancer spreading throughout your body and getting worse. Not all cancers are curable, but many are, so never give up looking for an answer to your skin cancer problems.
  

Vitamins and Herbs For Life

Vitamins and why are they important?

Unlike protein, fat, and carbohydrates, vitamins provide no calories. If the intake of vitamin(s) is insufficient due to poor nutrition, restricted diets, or inadequate intestinal absorption of the vitamins, diseases can occur.

Examples of diseases caused by vitamin deficiencies (please see Table 1) include anemia (due to deficiencies of folic acid and vitamin B12), nerve and brain damage (due to deficiencies of thiamin and vitamin B12), easy and excessive bleeding (due to deficiency of vitamin K), impaired night vision and blindness (due to deficiency of vitamin A), bone diseases (due to deficiency of vitamin D or calcium), and scurvy (due to deficiency of vitamin C). The RDAs represent the amounts of daily vitamin intake necessary to prevent vitamin deficiency diseases. Patients taking orlistat, Xenical for weight reduction may not absorb fat and can develop vitamin deficiencies that normally dissolve in fat (the fat soluble vitamins A,D,E,K).

Furthermore, scientists have discovered that inadequate intake of certain vitamins can cause diseases NOT traditionally attributed to vitamin deficiency.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E represents a family of eight fat-soluble anti-oxidant vitamins. Alpha-tocopherol is the most important E vitamin in humans.

• What foods are rich in vitamin E? Meats, fruits, and milk have little vitamin E.

• What are the benefits of vitamin E supplements? Vitamin E is an antioxidant that may reduce heart attack risks. In observational studies involving large numbers of healthy men and women, subjects who consumed more vitamin E had lower rates of heart attacks than subjects who consumed less vitamin E.

• What is the toxicity of vitamin E? Vitamin E in high doses can impair blood clotting and increase the risks of hemorrhage.

• Who should consider using vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) supplements? (An average multivitamin tablet contains 30-40 IU of vitamin E). Consult your doctor regarding additional vitamin E supplements.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A represents a number of related compounds; retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, and a vitamin A precursor beta (b)-carotene.

• What are adverse consequences of inadequate vitamin A intake? Early vitamin A deficiency leads to impaired night vision, and advanced vitamin A deficiency can lead to corneal ulcers and scarring and blindness. Children with vitamin A deficiency are also more likely to develop diarrhea and respiratory infections than children who are not vitamin A deficient. Vitamin A deficiency is rare among healthy adults in the United States.

• What are the benefits of vitamin A supplements? There is NO evidence that taking vitamin A supplements can prevent cancer or heart attacks.

• What is the toxicity of vitamin A? Vitamin A can be toxic in high doses (Usually 10 times RDA). High doses of vitamin A can also cause liver toxicity.

• What are recommendations regarding vitamin A supplements? Additional vitamin A supplements are currently NOT recommended. Pregnant women should not take additional vitamin A supplements without doctor supervision.

Herbs For Life
by author Rowan Hamilton, Dip Phyt, MNIMH

Cancer is not a death sentence! Medical intervention in cancer has stretched to its limits.
At the time of diagnosis, many people look for natural remedies–especially herbs–to help them. Medical intervention however, is often swift and traumatic.

Chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy and hormonal treatments are rapidly mobilized. They do not address the dysfunctions of body regulation that have led to cancer. Even if the treatments are successful in the short term, cancer may return after the conclusion of the therapy.

Combined Approach
In Chinese hospitals, where herbs are part of main stream treatment, few patients experience side effects from chemotherapy or radiotherapy due to the herbs they receive at the same time.

Anti-Cancer Herbs
In terms of the medical research that confirms its role as an anti-cancer herb, the leader might be aged garlic extract. Aged garlic extract and its constituents SAC and SAMC have demonstrated anti-cancer action in bladder tumors, neuroblastomas (cancer of the nervous system), skin cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach and lung cancer as well as toxin-induced mutations in cells and DNA. The report of aged garlic extracts inhibition of prostate cancer at the Memorial Slone-Kettering Cancer Center in 1997 was seen as an important medical discovery.

Further studies have shown that green tea has significant anti-cancer properties. Green tea, like so many herbs, contains natural biological modifiers and anti-cancer phytochemicals.

Each herb has a unique affinity for different systems and functions of the body. Few professionals will give a single herb to a patient.

Herbs can address the fundamental health processes of the body. Your immune system also depends on these regulation processes. A health professional can look at your individual needs and advise you on which herbs you need to restore these systems and with them your health.

There have been many successful uses of herbs to treat cancer. So far, pharmaceutical companies have screened more than 25,000 plants for anti-cancer drugs. Just as cancers are a product of disturbances in the body, so herbs can correct the disturbances as well as control many cancers.

However such is the seriousness of cancer that informed professional advice is always needed. Millions of lives depend on it.

Antioxidants
As cancer is often associated with high levels of free radicals produced by oxidation and toxic carcinogens, herbs which act as powerful free radical scavengers are always valuable.
These include :
Alfalfa, Comfrey, Asparagus, Dandelion leaves, Ginseng, Gotu kola, Goldenseal, Grape seed, extract, Irish moss, Parsley, Walnuts, Watercress, Wheat sprouts, Tumor-Fighting Herbs

Some herbs are specil'icalK anti-neoplastic. These include :
Bayberry, Cleavers, Comfrey, Condurango, Dandelion, Echinacea, Celandine, Mistletoe, Myrrh, Plantain, Poke root, Queen's delight, Red clover, Periwinkle, Thuja, Wild violet, Yellow dock

Rowan Hamilton is a lecturer in Botanical Medicine at the West Coast College of Naturopathic Medicine.
Source: alive #209, March 2000

Treatment And Reduction

Basic Treatment of Skin Cancer
If a skin biopsy reveals cancer, the dermatologist has an array of medical and surgical procedures as treatment, depending upon the type of cancer, its location, and the needs of the individual.

Dermatologic surgical treatments include: surgical excision; electrodessication and curettage (ED&C), which involves alternately scraping or burning the tumor in combination with low levels of electricity; cryosurgery (freezing using liquid nitrogen); and laser surgery. Other dermatologic treatments include radiation therapy and photodynamic therapy (a chemical is applied to the skin prior to exposure to a light source). Develop a regular routine to inspect your body for any skin changes. It is wise to have an annual skin examination by a dermatologist, especially for adults with significant past sun exposure or a family history of skin cancer.

Reduction of Risk
Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma.You can have fun in the sun and decrease your risk of skin cancer. Here’s some tips how could you be protected from UV Light :

• Generously apply a water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to all exposed skin.

• Protect children from sun exposure by playing in the shade, using protective clothing and applying sunscreen.

• Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don't seek the sun. Some recent reports suggest that getting vitamin D from sun exposure may prevent the occurrence and spread of cancers, both of internal organs and of the skin. No responsible authority suggests that to help with vitamin D, people ought to sunbathe or visit tanning salons. Vitamin D comes from food and is also produced by the skin upon exposure to sunlight. Active children and young adults living in sunny regions (Southern California, Hawaii, countries around the equator, etc.) can produce most of the vitamin D they need from their skin.

• Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling.

• Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.

Symptoms

There are a variety of different skin cancer symptoms. These include crabs or changes in the skin that do not heal, ulcers in the skin, discoloration, and changes in existing moles.
Skin cancer develops primarily on areas of sun-exposed skin, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms and hands, and on the legs in women. Skin cancer affects people of all skin tones, including those with darker complexions. A cancerous skin lesion can appear suddenly or develop slowly. Its appearance depends on the type of cancer.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and appears frequently on the head, neck, and hands as a small, fleshy bump, nodule, or red patch. Basal cell carcinomas are frequently found in fair-skinned people and rarely occur in dark skin.
Basal cell carcinoma usually looks like a raised, smooth, pearly bump on the sun-exposed skin of the head, neck or shoulders. Crusting and bleeding in the center of the tumor frequently develops.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer; it is primarily found in fair-skinned people and rarely in dark-skinned individuals. When found early and treated properly, the cure rate for both basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas is over 95 percent.
Squamous cell carcinoma is commonly a red, scaling, thickened patch on sun-exposed skin. Ulceration and bleeding may occur. Squamous cell carcinoma is easily treated if detected early, but it's slightly more apt to spread than is basal cell carcinoma. A firm, red nodule on your face, lips, ears, neck, hands or arms.

Malignant Melanoma
Malignant Melanoma is the most deadly of all skin cancers. Every year, an estimated 8,000 Americans will die from melanoma; it is projected that greater than 108,000 Americans will develop melanoma annually. Melanoma begins in melanocytes, the skin cells that produce the dark protective pigment called melanin which makes the skin tan. Melanoma can metastasize (spread), making treatment essential.
Light-skinned individuals are at particular risk. A person has an increased chance of developing melanoma if a relative or close family member has had melanoma. Atypical moles, which may run in families, and a large number of moles, can serve as markers for people at increased risk for developing melanoma. Dark skin is not a guarantee against melanoma.
Most melanomas are brown to black looking lesions. Signs that might indicate a malignant melanoma include change in size, shape, color or elevation of a mole.

About Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer. The annual rates of all forms of skin cancer are increasing each year, representing a growing public concern. The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change in the appearance of the skin, such as a new growth or a sore that will not heal.
Skin cancer is a malignant growth on the skin which can have many causes. Skin cancer generally develops in the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin), so a tumor is usually clearly visible. This makes most skin cancers detectable in the early stages.

There are three common types of skin cancer, each of which is named after the type of skin cell from which it arises. Cancers caused by UV exposure may be prevented by avoiding exposure to sunlight or other UV sources, and wearing sun-protective clothes. The use of sunscreen is recommended by medical organizations as a measure that doesn't help to protect against skin cancer.

Like many other cancers, including those originating in the lung, pancreas, and stomach, only a small minority of those afflicted will actually die of the disease. Skin cancers are the fastest growing type of cancer in the United States. Skin cancer represents the most commonly diagnosed malignancy, surpassing lung, breast, colorectal and prostate cancer. More than 1 hundred Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in 2008.

Most skin cancers can be treated by removal of the lesion, making sure that the edges (margins) are free of the tumor cells. For low-risk disease, radiation therapy and cryotherapy (freezing the cancer off) can provide adequate control of the disease; both, however, have lower overall cure rates than surgery.

More recently researchers have focused their efforts on strengthening the body's own naturally produced "helper T cells" that identify and lock onto cancer cells and help guide the killer cells to the cancer. Although it is impossible to completely eliminate the possibility of skin cancer, the risk of developing such a cancer can be reduced significantly with the following steps:
• use a sun block of about SPF 50
• reapply sun block every 2 hours and after swimming
• wearing protective clothing (long sleeves and hats) when outdoors
• reducing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially in early years