Skin Cancer

Skin cancer checks for kids: When to take them

Lisa Steinke — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:00:00 -0700

If you have a family history of skin cancer, it's likely that your child needs to be checked as well. Read more about what experts say about skin cancer in children, tips for keeping an eye out for unusual skin markings and more.

Detecting skin cancer in darker skin

Tracy E. Hopkins — Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder for all of us to protect our skin. Although it’s a common misconception that African-Americans and other people of color can’t develop skin cancer, in fact, they’re particularly at risk. Here are important skin cancer facts and tips for people with darker skin.

Melanoma survivors neglect sun safety

Kristen Fischer — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 06:53:00 -0700

More than a quarter of melanoma survivors never use sunscreen and some still go tanning, a new report says.

10 Most common cancers in the U.S.

Kori Ellis — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:23:00 -0800

What are the most common types of cancer? The incidence of different cancers varies by country. Let's take a look at the most common cancers in the United States. Most of these statistics were compiled in the American Cancer Society Facts & Figures annual report for 2012.

Childhood stress could be linked to skin cancer risk

Patricia Conte — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 10:45:00 -0700

Can what happens to you as a child affect your immune system and the ability to fight off cancer as an adult? According to researchers, the answer could be yes.

Why you should just say no to tanning

Jessica Padykula — Thu, 31 May 2012 10:46:00 -0700

Despite continual warnings about the harmful effects of indoor tanning , countless people continue to bake their bodies. With the media circus surrounding the “tanning mom,” who came under fire recently for taking her 5-year-old tanning, this tremendously unhealthy habit is back in the spotlight.

What you need to know about actinic keratosis

Jessica Padykula — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 02:02:00 -0700

The sun is shining, summer’s here and you’re probably already spending more time outside than in. You already know you need to protect yourself from the sun but it’s also important to be proactive when it comes to knowing how overexposure to the sun can affect your skin. For instance, actinic keratosis – also referred to as sun spots – is an often-overlooked form of pre-cancer, affecting more than 10 million Americans. AK is worth knowing more about because it has the potential to progress to squamous cell carcinoma , the second most common skin cancer.

Summer skin health: Skin cancer awareness

Jessica Padykula — Thu, 12 May 2011 12:24:00 -0700

Now that the weather is warming up and the sun has finally come out of hibernation, people are showing a lot more skin. We’ve all been wearing layers for far too long, but celebrating summer shouldn’t mean risking your health. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, which means we need to do more to protect ourselves from harmful UV rays. You can still worship the sun; just make sure you’re not doing it sans sunscreen.

12 Health screenings women need

Jody Oomen-Early, PhD, MS, CHES — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 09:05:00 -0700

Being a woman today often means keeping track of schedules and deadlines. With so much to do, and so little time to do it, we often bypass our own needs to attend to the needs of others in our lives. Honoring ourselves and being vigilant about our health is central to being able to fulfill our responsibilities, strengthen our relationships, serve our communities and achieve our personal goals and life’s mission. Getting regular checkups, preventive screening tests and immunizations are among the most important things we can do for ourselves in our quest to stay healthy. In honor of Women’s Health Care Month, we present you with 12 health screenings every woman needs. Depending on your personal risk factors and family medical history, your primary care physician may recommend additional or more frequent screenings.

Health effects of radiation: What you should know

Jessica Padykula — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 12:14:00 -0700

Following the devastating earthquake in Japan last month, which caused explosions at the Fukushima nuclear plant, we’ve been hearing a lot about radiation – how much has leaked, how far it will reach and what the immediate and long-lasting effects are going to be. Though the initial panic over radiation has waned and the levels of radiation that have been detected in the US are very low, SheKnows turned to Dr. Carolyn Dean, ND, medical director of the Nutritional Magnesium Association, for some answers about what the health effects of radiation are and what can be done about it.

Favorite beauty products: Real women speak

Laura Williams, M.S.Ed. — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 21:21:00 -0700

Some women tackle beauty products like linebackers going after a quarterback, but if you aren’t one of those women, you’ve probably felt the momentary paralysis that comes from staring at long aisles of beauty products, not knowing what to choose. Rather than throwing good money away, listen to what real women have to say about the products they can’t live without.

Skin cancer: 5 Warning signs

Kristin Chessman — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:01:00 -0800

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, with more than two million cases diagnosed in the US each year. The good news? Most skin cancers are relatively easily to treat when detected early. Protect yourself with the help of these skin cancer warning signs.

Tips and tricks to treat sunburned skin

Sarah Wassner Flynn — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:51:00 -0700

This summer, the sun will be stronger than ever. And unless you constantly slather on the SPF, hide under a hat or avoid the rays entirely, you are bound to get a tad sunburned. So if you find yourself sporting lobster-like skin this season, here are some quick tips and tricks to treat it.

Photosensitivity: Dangers of being sensitive to the sun

Christine Cristiano — Sat, 02 May 2009 13:37:00 -0700

There are many ways in which your body reacts to medication, and many prescribed medications including antibiotics can cause photosensitivity to sunlight and ultraviolet rays. Photosensitivity can occur in all climates and seasons, and is not limited only to medications - other products including herbal medicines, perfume and cosmetics can also result in an adverse reaction to sun exposure. Additionally, certain chronic diseases such as lupus can cause individuals to become photosensitive. Read on to learn more about photosensitivity, drugs that cause adverse reactions to sunlight and ways to avoid photosensitive reactions.

Skin cancer facts

Michele Borboa, MS — Fri, 01 May 2009 02:39:00 -0700

Skin cancer accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States. More than 1 million cases of skin cancer are detected each year, most caused by sun exposure. If caught early, skin cancer -- even melanoma, the most deadly form -- can be treated effectively.

Is your sunscreen working?

Kori Ellis — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:31:00 -0700

If everyone is using sunscreen these days, why haven't we seen a reduction in skin cancer in recent years? According to a report by the Environmental Working Group , your sunscreen may actually be the problem.

Tanning addiction: The dark side of bronzed skin

Dina Spector — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:56:00 -0700

Do you competitively strive for that enviable dark skin of the ladies strutting out of the tanning salons? Do you adamantly set aside money every month to keep up your tanning salon membership? Do you even think twice about the potential damage those tanning bed rays are wreaking on your skin? If having bronzed skin is one of the highest priorities in your beauty routine, you could be a tanning addict. Though some ladies love the moniker, being a tanning junkie is wrought with risks.

The truth about tanning: Indoor and outdoor tanning dangers

Janice McDuffee — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 08:48:00 -0700

Believe it or not, there was a time when fair, pale skin was all the rage in its representation of class, prestige, and separation from the tanned working masses. Oh how things have changed! Tanned, bronzed bodies with that glowing sun-kissed look are in. But before you follow the tanning trend, you may want to think twice.

Sunscreen & sunblock smarts

SheKnows Beauty & Style Divas — Mon, 05 May 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Whether you're in store for a beautiful weekend or the forecast shows some clouds rolling in, you should protect your skin from the sun's UV rays. Sunscreen filters out the sun's dangerous, invisible ultraviolet rays, which can cause skin cancer. Get a grip on SPF and how to protect your skin with the right products.

Skin protection for workouts

Sarah Wassner Flynn — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Despite the obvious health benefits that come with working out, your risk of skin cancer may increase if you spend lots of time exercising outdoors. In fact, more than 1 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually in the U.S. -- meaning 1 out of every 5 Americans will develop the disease. Here's what you can do to keep safe in the sun!

How to protect your hair from sun damage: Summer haircare tips

Karen Shelton — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:28:00 -0700

When summertime rolls around it is easy to get caught up in the toasty warmth of the sun and forget to adequately protect your hair. Here's how you can take care of your hair even on the sunniest of the spring and summer days!