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	<title>Cancer Resources &#187; Melanoma</title>
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	<link>http://www.alanahu.org</link>
	<description>Cancer Treatment and Information</description>
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		<title>What Does Melanoma Look Like? &#8211; Nurse&#039;s Report</title>
		<link>http://www.alanahu.org/what-does-melanoma-look-like-nurses-report/</link>
		<comments>http://www.alanahu.org/what-does-melanoma-look-like-nurses-report/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 04:15:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Christopher Kuntz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Skin-Cancer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[acne]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dermatitis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Melanoma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[moles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[natural treatments for eczema]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[skin tags]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alanahu.org/?p=841</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Is a mole, lesion or skin discoloration that&#8217;s causing you some concern? You may have wondered or started worrying about possibly having malignant melanoma. You may be wondering what does melanoma look like and what are the stages, signs and symptoms? Melanomas usually have uneven borders and do not have the same shape all around. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Is a mole, lesion or skin discoloration that&#8217;s causing you some concern? You may have wondered or started worrying about possibly having malignant melanoma. You may be wondering what does melanoma look like and what are the stages, signs and symptoms? Melanomas usually have uneven borders and do not have the same shape all around. They can start out as a mole and turn into a melanoma, which is a malignant, meaning a cancerous lesion.</p>
<p>One of the big reasons to catch melanoma early is that it is not confined to the area on your skin where it&#8217;s found and can spread fast. Many skin cancers are local only; they are not systemic, meaning they may not involve other parts of your body. But melanoma is different. It involves your whole body and your immune system so you want to catch it early.</p>
<p>Most moles don&#8217;t change. If yours has changed or is changing, then make sure to look at the following.<span id="more-841"></span></p>
<p>Generally to recognize a melanoma you want to follow the ABCDE rule. A for asymmetry &#8211; not even on all sides, B for Borders, C for color, D for diameter and E for evolving.</p>
<p>First of all take a close look at the lesion or mole with a magnifying glass. Don&#8217;t rely on your normal eyesight. Do the edges seem to be symmetrical &#8211; is it even on all sides? A normal mole is usually round or oval.</p>
<p>Are the borders smooth? Or are the edges uneven, ragged, blurred or notched? A normal mole has borders that are even.</p>
<p>Look at the coloring of your mole or lesion. Do you see any areas that have varied colors such as tinges of blue, red, white, tan, pink or gray? A normal mole is an even shade of brown. Or light brown or tan.</p>
<p>Size of the mole &#8211; more often than not a melanoma is larger than one quarter inch measured across or in diameter. Sometimes they can be smaller but most are more than one quarter inch. A normal mole will usually stay the same shape, size and diameter.</p>
<p>Evolving which is the newest term when recognizing malignant melanoma means that the lesion or mole has changed in its size, shape and or color over time. Usually a short period of time. Normal moles generally stay the same shape for years.</p>
<p>Make sure to check your body regularly for any signs of moles, lesions or malignant melanoma. Be sure to have someone check the areas of your body that you cannot see like your back.</p>
<p>So that&#8217;s how to tell and what melanoma looks like. If you think your lesion or mole could be a cancerous mole or malignant melanoma or see any changes that just don&#8217;t fit with a normal mole or any other of the signs and symptoms see your doctor as soon as possible. You don&#8217;t want to wait. Melanoma is systemic &#8211; meaning throughout your body so you want to get checked out as soon as possible.</p>
<p>For more tips, secrets and info on <a href="http://www.best-skin-solutions.com/" target="_blank">moles</a>, melanoma, skin tags, natural treatments for eczema, dermatitis and acne, see a nurse&#8217;s website http://www.Best-Skin-Solutions.com for eczema, acne, pimples and skin disorders for adults, teens, and babies, including info on skin cancer</p>
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		<title>Melanoma &#8211; Rate Not Increasing and Some Sun is Good</title>
		<link>http://www.alanahu.org/melanoma-rate-not-increasing-and-some-sun-is-good/</link>
		<comments>http://www.alanahu.org/melanoma-rate-not-increasing-and-some-sun-is-good/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:10:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Christopher Kuntz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Skin-Cancer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Melanoma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vitamin d]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alanahu.org/?p=642</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We are constantly being told to avoid the sun as much as possible. We are told to cover up and nearly every skin product that we buy seems to contain sunscreen. However, now there is some evidence that a small amount of sun exposure may actually be healthy.
There are two most frequent reasons that we [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We are constantly being told to avoid the sun as much as possible. We are told to cover up and nearly every skin product that we buy seems to contain sunscreen. However, now there is some evidence that a small amount of sun exposure may actually be healthy.</p>
<p>There are two most frequent reasons that we are told to avoid exposure to the sun are skin cancer and aging. This article is going to discuss some new studies on melanoma, how the situation may not be so straightforward, and some evidence that a small sensible amount of exposure to sunlight may have health benefits.</p>
<p>There are a number of types of skin cancer, with melanoma being the one that scares us. Other precancerous and cancerous lesions such as actinic keratoses, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are much more common. These other types of skin cancer, particularly if they are detected early, are in most cases very treatable.<span id="more-642"></span></p>
<p>Is the rate of melanoma increasing or not?<br />
An increasing rate of melanoma is often given as evidence for not getting sun exposure. Data collected has suggested that there has been quite a significant rise in the number of cases of that have been diagnosed.</p>
<p>However, a new study (Br. J. Dermatol. 161:630-4, 2009) suggests that the rates may not really be rising. This study found that diagnoses of Stage 1 have risen by about 50%, but the number of people with late stage, and number of deaths from melanoma has not risen significantly.</p>
<p>The authors conclude that the apparent increase in early stage diagnoses is due to more benign (non-cancerous) lesions being diagnosed as Stage 1. They think that there has been &#8220;diagnostic drift&#8221; and there should be development of better diagnostic criteria for deciding what is or is not Stage 1. Additionally, this suggests a second opinion may be a good idea upon diagnosis with melanoma.</p>
<p>If the incidence of melanoma is not rising as the research suggests, what effect does this have on recommendations for sun exposure?</p>
<p>Why do we need vitamin D? How does this vitamin impact melanoma?<br />
When skin is exposed to moderate to strong sun, it makes pre-vitamin D (D3, cholecalciferol). This process is very tightly regulated, once enough has been made, the body will break down the extra in the skin. The pre-vitamin is converted, as required, to the final form by the liver and kidneys. Generally our diet, even when eating fortified foods does not contain sufficient of this vitamin.</p>
<p>Vitamin D is important for a number of body processes. A deficiency results in a weaker immune system, higher blood pressure, osteoporosis and a range of other poor health conditions. As discussed below, Vitamin D seems to play a role in cancer prevention.</p>
<p>Additionally, new research compared the level of vitamin D, at the time of diagnosis, to the outcomes of those diagnosed with melanoma. Those with higher levels of the vitamin had thinner tumors and a better survival rate. (J. Clin. Oncol. Sept 21 epub ahead of print; Newton-Bishop et al.) This researchers did not differentiate between those who got more sun exposure and those who took supplements. However, this is certainly another piece of evidence for the benefits of not being vitamin D deficient. Hopefully the researchers are analyzing their data further, to establish if the source of vitamin D is important.</p>
<p>Does some sun exposure equal less overall cancer risk?<br />
It has been known for many years that there the overall rate of many cancers cancer drops moving closer to the equator, from the more temperate latitudes. Cancers for which there is a lower incidence include breast, colon, ovarian and prostate. This suggests that those exposed to sun on a daily basis may have more protection against cancer.</p>
<p>Interestingly, when looking at populations in countries at different latitudes there are often similar ranges of vitamin D levels in the bodies of those with high levels of sunlight and those who live in regions with less sunlight. (This could be due to the supplementation of foods in the higher latitudes.) However, there is still the gradient of cancers. This suggests that is not just vitamin D that is key but the making of the vitamin is made by the body is important (PNAS 105:668-73, 2008).</p>
<p>In Australia for many years there has been a very aggressive campaign to get people to get much less sun exposure. The campaign is called Slip-Slop-Slap, which is slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat. The campaign was started in 1981 and is now part of the culture. However, the (apparent) incidence of melanoma has continued to increase (though the incidence of squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas have decreased). This increase is thought to be due to more of the population becoming vitamin D deficient since now many are getting little or no sun exposure on the skin.</p>
<p>Sensible sun exposure<br />
If you get little or no sun, should you start to get more? This is for you to decide. If you decide that you want to get your vitamin D from the sun, the key is sensible sun exposure. The current guidelines suggest 10 to 15 minutes, twice per week, on part of the body, in the summer when UV levels are high, and proportionally more in the winter. The body parts can be arms, back, tummy, legs &#8211; it does not have to be the face. Sitting out for extended periods in the sun is definitely more harmful than getting no exposure at-all. Make any sun exposure that you get sensible.</p>
<p>In conclusion<br />
The incidence of melanoma may actually not be rising. The apparent increase may be due to more benign lesions being classed as Stage 1.</p>
<p>Perhaps, the current advice that any and all sun exposure is bad, may soon be revised, and medicinal doses of sun prescribed.</p>
<p>An increasing number of pieces of evidence suggest that we may actually be healthiest if we get small amounts of sensible sun exposure.</p>
<p>Judith Airey, PhD, is a biomedical researcher who is interested in all aspects of health, and additionally how some of them relate to aging.</p>
<p>Judith has a website http://www.agemoreslowly.com The blog,<a href="http://www.agemoreslowly.com/blog/" target="_blank"> http://www.agemoreslowly.com/blog/</a> is about new research and ideas that impact on health in general, and aging both directly and indirectly. Check it out.</p>
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		<title>Check Your Skin Regularly to Detect Melanoma Early</title>
		<link>http://www.alanahu.org/check-your-skin-regularly-to-detect-melanoma-early/</link>
		<comments>http://www.alanahu.org/check-your-skin-regularly-to-detect-melanoma-early/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:08:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Christopher Kuntz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Skin-Cancer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Melanoma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Melanoma Diagnosed]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reduce Your Risk Of Melanoma]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alanahu.org/?p=417</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[How Is Melanoma Diagnosed?
Your doctor will remove a sample area of your skin if she thinks that a change in your skin is a sign of a melanoma. Your tissue sample, called a biopsy, is sent to a laboratory for examination by a specialist, called a pathologist. The pathologist will study your tissue sample under [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>How Is Melanoma Diagnosed?</p>
<p>Your doctor will remove a sample area of your skin if she thinks that a change in your skin is a sign of a melanoma. Your tissue sample, called a biopsy, is sent to a laboratory for examination by a specialist, called a pathologist. The pathologist will study your tissue sample under a microscope to confirm your doctor&#8217;s diagnosis. Sometimes your doctor will have the equipment in their own office to do a preliminary examination of the tissue.</p>
<p>The best way to treat an early stage melanoma is to have it surgically removed. Melanoma in later stages can require much more extensive treatment because it may have spread to other areas of the body. The best way of dealing with melanoma is to detect it in the early stages and remove it as early as possible. Regular skin exams are the key to catching melanoma early.<span id="more-417"></span></p>
<p>Reduce Your Risk Of Melanoma</p>
<p>One way to reduce your risk of getting melanoma is to avoid exposure to intense sunlight. The most intense sunlight is during the midday, and even more intense during the summer. If you are fair-skinned or have a tendency to develop many moles or atypical moles, then you have an increased risk of developing melanoma &#8211; and you should especially avoid exposure to intense sunlight.</p>
<p>Avoid the sun when it is high in the sky. Use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (30 is even stronger). Don&#8217;t forget that sunscreen does not totally protect against the sun&#8217;s UV (ultraviolet) rays. It&#8217;s important to remember to apply the sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you go out in the sun. Also reapply sunscreen after swimming or sweating excessively. Also, wear protective clothing, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when in the sun. Remember that sunlamps and tanning beds are not &#8220;safe&#8221; ways to tan &#8211; they increase your risk of skin cancer!</p>
<p>Check Your Skin Regularly</p>
<p>You need to be familiar with the patterns of moles, freckles and birthmarks on your body. You should check your skin on a regular basis and look for changes. You should be looking for changes to the number, size, shape or color of spots on your skin. You may need help from someone to check the skin on your back. Let your doctor know if you find any new or changing skin growth.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s easiest to check your skin once a month right after a shower or bath. Stand in front of a full-length mirror and use a hand mirror so you can see your back. Check from the top of your head to your toes and make a mental note of any changes.</p>
<p>Steps For A Monthly Skin Exam</p>
<p>Check your face, ears, neck, chest and belly while facing the mirror. Next, check the top and bottom of your arms, the top and palms of your hands and don&#8217;t forget your nails. Sit down and check the front of your legs, the tops of your feet and between your toes &#8211; and don&#8217;t forget your toenails. Also check the bottom of your feet, the backs of your legs (use a hand-held mirror). Stand up and use the hand mirror to check your buttocks, the lower and upper part of your back, the back of your neck and also your genital area.</p>
<p>If you perform this exam regularly you will become familiar with what is &#8220;normal&#8221; for your body. Alert your doctor if you notice changes. If you do this you increase your chances of detecting melanoma in the early stages. Early detection is the key to defeating skin cancer!</p>
<p>Jonathan is a professional educator in the healthcare field with over 15 years of experience. You can visit his latest website which helps people find the best hair dryer for their needs, where you can learn about the<a href="http://besthairdryerchoice.com/Elchim-Hair-Dryer.html" target="_blank"> Elchim Hair Dryer.</a></p>
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		<title>What Causes Melanoma and Who is Likely to Get It?</title>
		<link>http://www.alanahu.org/what-causes-melanoma-and-who-is-likely-to-get-it/</link>
		<comments>http://www.alanahu.org/what-causes-melanoma-and-who-is-likely-to-get-it/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:08:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Christopher Kuntz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Skin-Cancer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DNA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Melanoma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UV radiation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alanahu.org/?p=423</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We mostly blame the sun for melanoma. UV radiation from the sun can damage the DNA in your cells. Sometimes the damage is to the certain genetic code that controls how and when your cells grow and divide. When that happens cells begin to grow out of control and eventually we call it a cancer [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We mostly blame the sun for melanoma. UV radiation from the sun can damage the DNA in your cells. Sometimes the damage is to the certain genetic code that controls how and when your cells grow and divide. When that happens cells begin to grow out of control and eventually we call it a cancer (melanoma to be precise).</p>
<p>Causes of Melanoma</p>
<p>Most UV radiation is from the sun, but there are other common sources of UV radiation. The most common source of UV radiation (aside from the sun) is a tanning bed. Be careful when using a tanning bed &#8211; don&#8217;t overdo it!</p>
<p>Most UV exposure that leads to skin cancer occurred to people in their childhood or young adult years. Children and young adults usually get a lot of intense sun exposure when they are young, but the resultant cancer may not show up for years or decades!<span id="more-423"></span></p>
<p>If you have family members who had (or have) melanoma, then you are in a higher risk category. Also, if you had a bad sunburn in your childhood, then you are in an creased risk category.</p>
<p>Although most skin moles never turn into a melanoma&#8230; there are still some that do. That is why its so important to detect changes in your skin and report them to your doctor immediately. We still don&#8217;t know why some moles turn into cancerous melanoma. We also don&#8217;t know why having lots of moles on your skin or having atypical moles increases your risk of getting melanoma.</p>
<p>Who Usually Gets Melanoma?</p>
<p>Anyone can get melanoma. If you have skin, you have a chance of getting melanoma! But there are people who have a higher risk of getting melanoma than others.</p>
<p>People who have lots of moles, irregular moles or large moles are at a higher risk. People with close blood relatives that have had melanoma, or who have previously had melanoma themselves are at a higher risk. Frequent sun exposure, fair skin, or inheriting a gene mutation (or any combination of these) can put a person in a higher risk category.</p>
<p>Talk to your doctor if you have a history of melanoma in your close blood relatives, to determine if you should have a skin exam to determine your risk factors.</p>
<p>Others who commonly develop melanoma are those that have fair skin and they get sunburns or freckles easily. Also those who have naturally red or blonde hair are at an elevated risk. Those who had severe sunburns as a child or young adult, or any type of cancerous or pre-cancerous spot on their skin at any age are also at an elevated risk.</p>
<p>No one is immune to getting melanoma. Even people with dark complexions who don&#8217;t sunburn easily can still develop melanoma! Anyone can get it!</p>
<p>Places that have intense year-round sunshine are more likely to have people with melanoma. Think about Florida and southern California. Also, just like with most other cancers, the older you get, the higher your risk for developing melanoma.</p>
<p>Doctors used to believe that dark complexion people with brown or black skin were immune from getting melanoma. That is not true. Anyone can develop melanoma. When dark complexion people get melanoma it is usually on their palms or soles of their feet or under their nails.</p>
<p>Summary</p>
<p>Anyone can develop melanoma. There are certain risk factors for getting this type of skin cancer. Although it is not completely preventable, early detection is very easy. Of course, the earlier you can detect a cancer, the better the survival rates.</p>
<p>Jonathan is a professional educator in the healthcare field with over 15 years of experience. You can visit his latest website which helps people find best-selling pool tables for sale for their needs, where you can learn about <a href="http://pooltablesforsalenow.org/Bumper-Pool-Tables.html" target="_self">Bumper Pool Tables.</a></p>
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		<title>Melanoma Clinical Trial &#8211; What Are the Pro&#039;s and Con&#039;s?</title>
		<link>http://www.alanahu.org/melanoma-clinical-trial-what-are-the-pros-and-cons/</link>
		<comments>http://www.alanahu.org/melanoma-clinical-trial-what-are-the-pros-and-cons/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 11 Sep 2011 04:07:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Christopher Kuntz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Skin-Cancer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Melanoma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Melanoma Clinical Trial]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alanahu.org/?p=434</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Those who participate in a melanoma clinical trial, or any other type of clinical trial, play a large role in the development of new treatments, procedures and medications. While test tube (in vitro) and animal studies may give some indication of the effectiveness and safety of treatments, volunteers are necessary to see whether the treatment [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Those who participate in a melanoma clinical trial, or any other type of clinical trial, play a large role in the development of new treatments, procedures and medications. While test tube (in vitro) and animal studies may give some indication of the effectiveness and safety of treatments, volunteers are necessary to see whether the treatment will also work in humans.</p>
<p>There are both pros and cons associated with participation in a clinical trial. Pros include access to new or innovative treatments, the potential to be one of the first beneficiaries of a treatment, the opportunity to play a role in what may help thousands of other patients and medical attention from some of the best doctors and scientists in the world. Cons include the possibility of the participant&#8217;s condition worsening because the new treatment isn&#8217;t as effective or because they were chosen for the control group, exposure to unknown side effects or risks, undergoing an increased number of tests or giving up time or money to participate.<span id="more-434"></span></p>
<p>While some clinical trials test combinations of conventional therapies, the majority look at new treatments or medications. Participants in the trial are often given medications that are not even on the market yet. If the treatment is successful, patients may have reduced their melanoma, as well as played a role in the development of something that could help others.</p>
<p>Most clinical trials are led by top researchers and doctors. Patients participating the trial are under their care. Close monitoring is done to determine any effects, both positive and negative. Trial participants often receive much closer monitoring than non-participating melanoma patients.</p>
<p>Not all treatments in melanoma clinical trials are successful. Patients who have given up conventional treatment in favour of experimental may find that their condition worsens. While rare, there is even a possibility that the new treatment may even work opposite from expected. Even though in vitro and animal studies may have shown no side effects or risks, there is no guarantee that the same will hold true with human participants.</p>
<p>Not all trial participants are given the treatment. To prevent contamination of results, trials are operated on a blind basis with patients unaware of whether they are receiving the real treatment or a placebo. One drawback that leads many people to turn away from participation is the amount of time and money that must be invested. Some patients have to make frequent trips for monitoring or administration of the treatment. While some trials do reimburse patients for their expenses, it may not cover the full expense. Patients may still be responsible for other costs.</p>
<p>For some people, a melanoma clinical trial can be a good option. It can open the doors to a possible cure for both themselves and others stricken by the disease. However, it is important to carefully examine all the pros and cons before signing up. While the possibility of a cure is wonderful, it may come with some unwanted risks and sacrifices.</p>
<p>A Hurrell is a high risk candidate for skin cancer and is passionate about researching ways to prevent it. For the bigger picture on skin cancer prevention and for further information on a melanoma clinical trial, visit the http://www.skincancer-survivor.com website. Get Amanda&#8217;s FREE email course immediately <a href="http://www.skincancer-survivor.com/" target="_blank">here </a>NOW! It&#8217;s her latest must-see information guide and it&#8217;s packed full of information you won&#8217;t have read before!</p>
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		<title>Melanoma is a Skin Cancer That Can Be Cured &#8211; If it is Detected Early</title>
		<link>http://www.alanahu.org/melanoma-is-a-skin-cancer-that-can-be-cured-if-it-is-detected-early/</link>
		<comments>http://www.alanahu.org/melanoma-is-a-skin-cancer-that-can-be-cured-if-it-is-detected-early/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Sep 2011 16:07:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Christopher Kuntz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Skin-Cancer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cancer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Melanoma]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alanahu.org/?p=425</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The most common form of cancer is skin cancer. Over one million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year. About 60,000 of those people will be diagnosed with melanoma. Melanoma is the more serious type of skin cancer.
Although melanoma is a very serious form of skin cancer, it can be detected early and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The most common form of cancer is skin cancer. Over one million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year. About 60,000 of those people will be diagnosed with melanoma. Melanoma is the more serious type of skin cancer.</p>
<p>Although melanoma is a very serious form of skin cancer, it can be detected early and usually treated successfully. As with all cancers, early detection is the key to successful treatment.</p>
<p>Skin cancer comes in three main types: basal cell, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal and squamous cell cancers seldom become life threatening. But melanoma can be life-threatening if it is not detected early enough to get proper treatment.<span id="more-425"></span></p>
<p>Melanoma can be cured it if is detected and treated early enough. You need to learn to recognize changes in your skin so you can report these to your doctor quickly.</p>
<p>Melanoma begins in the cells that produce skin coloring or the protective pigment known as melanin. Melanin protects the deeper layers of skin from the sun&#8217;s harmful effects.  Melanoma cells usually continue to produce melanin which is why this type of skin cancer shows up as irregular dark splotches on the skin.</p>
<p>Melanoma may suddenly appear without any warning signs, or it may start in or near a mole or dark spot on your skin. It is not uncommon that these cancers appear as tan, brown, blue or black splotches.</p>
<p>Melanoma is the only skin cancer that commonly spreads throughout the body. Once melanoma spreads to the vital organs it becomes much more difficult to treat and cure. This is why it is so important to detect changes in your skin early and report these to your doctor. An easy tip for most to follow is to make a note of the color, size and locations of moles on your body. Also make notes of any changes you detect &#8211; then talk with your family doctor!</p>
<p>I&#8217;m sure you&#8217;ve heard that early detection of cancer is the key to higher survival rates. Please check your skin for changes and report these to your doctor. You just might be saving your own life!</p>
<p>Jonathan is a professional educator in the healthcare field with over 15 years of experience. You can visit his latest website which helps people find pool tables for sale, where you can learn about <a href="http://pooltablesforsalenow.org/Bumper-Pool-Tables.html" target="_blank">Bumper Pool Tables.</a></p>
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		<title>Is it a Mole Or a Melanoma?</title>
		<link>http://www.alanahu.org/is-it-a-mole-or-a-melanoma/</link>
		<comments>http://www.alanahu.org/is-it-a-mole-or-a-melanoma/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:07:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Christopher Kuntz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Skin-Cancer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Melanoma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Melanoma Warning Signs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mole]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alanahu.org/?p=419</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Moles are usually pretty small &#8211; about six millimeters or less in diameter, which is about the size of a pencil eraser. Ordinary moles are evenly colored across the entire mole &#8211; usually brown, but also tan or flesh-colored. They are either flat (even with the surrounding skin) or raised above the surrounding skin. Moles [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Moles are usually pretty small &#8211; about six millimeters or less in diameter, which is about the size of a pencil eraser. Ordinary moles are evenly colored across the entire mole &#8211; usually brown, but also tan or flesh-colored. They are either flat (even with the surrounding skin) or raised above the surrounding skin. Moles are usually round or oval shaped with sharply defined borders.</p>
<p>You can be born with a mole, but often they appear later during the first few decades of life. Occasionally several moles will appear at the same time on sun-exposed skin. After a mole is fully developed, it will usually remain the same size, color and shape for many years. Many times a mole will fade with age.<span id="more-419"></span></p>
<p>Melanoma Warning Signs</p>
<p>Just about everyone has spots on their skin and they are nothing to be alarmed about. Sometimes a non-cancerous growth can look like skin cancer, but it could be harmless. Most moles are nothing to worry about and are perfectly harmless. However, a change in a mole&#8217;s appearance (size, shape, color) is a sign that you should see your doctor.</p>
<p>New or changing skin growth is the most important warning sign of melanoma. Changes in size, shape or color &#8211; or a new growth &#8211; that progresses over a month or more are warning signs of melanoma. Talk to your doctor if you notice these changes:</p>
<p>* Assymetry: half of the ot does not match the other half (most moles are oval or round).<br />
* Border: moles usually have a clearly defined border, but melanoma may have unevenly shaped edges.<br />
* Color: most moles are the same color throughout, but melanomas may have several colors.<br />
* Size: usually moles are less than 1/4 inch in diameter (the size of a pencil eraser), but melanomas may range from 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch &#8211; and often much larger.<br />
* Not all melanoma and skin cancer displays these warning signs! Other signs of melanoma are:<br />
* spreading pigment from the border of the mole to the surrounding skin<br />
* a sore that won&#8217;t heal<br />
* itchiness, tenderness or pain &#8211; changes in sensation of a mole<br />
* changes in the surface of a mole such as oozing, bleeding or the appearance of a bump or nodule<br />
* any mole that is dramatically different in appearance from your other moles</p>
<p>If you notice any of these warning signs &#8211; talk to your doctor immediately. Not all changes indicate skin cancer or melanoma, but your doctor is the person to make that diagnosis. Be safe. Early detection of cancer is the best defense against it. Visit your doctor!</p>
<p>Jonathan is a professional educator in the healthcare field with over 15 years of experience. You can visit his latest website which helps people find the best hair dryer for their needs, where you can learn about the<a href="http://besthairdryerchoice.com/Elchim-Hair-Dryer.html" target="_blank"> Elchim Hair Dryer.</a></p>
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		<title>Understanding Colon Cancer</title>
		<link>http://www.alanahu.org/understanding-colon-cancer/</link>
		<comments>http://www.alanahu.org/understanding-colon-cancer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 03 Jul 2011 04:08:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Christopher Kuntz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Colon Cancer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Carcinoid Tumors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Colon Carcinoma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Colorectal Cancer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lymphoma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Melanoma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sarcomas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[types of colon cancer]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alanahu.org/?p=80</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[After skin cancer, breast cancer and lung cancer, Colon cancer is the fourth most common cancer type occurring in women across the globe. There are many types of colon cancer: Carcinoid Tumors, Lymphoma, Melanoma and Sarcomas. However, the most common of all the colon cancers is Colon Carcinoma.
A colon in the human body is a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>After skin cancer, breast cancer and lung cancer, Colon cancer is the fourth most common cancer type occurring in women across the globe. There are many types of colon cancer: Carcinoid Tumors, Lymphoma, Melanoma and Sarcomas. However, the most common of all the colon cancers is Colon Carcinoma.</p>
<p>A colon in the human body is a long, coiled tube shaped organ, which helps in removing water from the digested food. It is also called the large intestine or the large bowel having four sections: Ascending Colon, Transverse Colon, Descending Colon and Sigmoid Colon. Colon cancer is a type of cancer, which forms in the colon tissues. It is often referred to as colorectal cancer. Colon cancers usually are adenocarcinomas, which mean that they begin in cells releasing mucus and other type of fluids.</p>
<p>Who Are At Risk Of Having Colon Cancer?</p>
<p>Colon cancer is responsible for most of the deaths elated to cancer, but doctors say that an early diagnosis can reduce the risk. Immediate action can also lead to full cure of a patient. The risk of having colon cancer increases, if you:</p>
<p><span id="more-80"></span>1-Have cancer elsewhere in your body</p>
<p>2-Have a personal history of breast cancer</p>
<p>3-Have a family history of colon cancer</p>
<p>4-Have colorectal polyps, crohn&#8217;s disease or ulcerative colitis</p>
<p>Apart from the above stated reasons, the risk of having colon cancer also depends on your diet. Doctors say that chances of colon cancer may increase, if you are having red meat and a high fat with low fibre diet. Some genetic syndromes may be also responsible in developing colon cancer.</p>
<p>Symptoms of Colon Cancer</p>
<p>There are several symptoms indicating the presence of colon cancer in your body. Some of them include blood in your stool, narrow stools, tenderness &amp; pain in the lower abdomen, unexplained anaemia, sudden weight loss, constipation, diarrhoea, intestinal obstruction and changes in bowel habits.</p>
<p>Take Immediate Action against the Menace</p>
<p>If you feel that you are having any of the symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. There are many physical exams, which needs to be done on your belly area. There are also imaging tests that are extremely helpful in diagnosing colon cancers. Again, tests similar to sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy confirm the presence of colon cancer.</p>
<p>One more test of detecting colon cancer is the fecal occult blood test (FEBT). After detection of colon cancer, additional tests known as staging is done to check the exact area in which the colon cancer has spread.</p>
<p>Treatment of Colon Cancer</p>
<p>The treatment of colon cancer is mainly dependent on the stage in which it has been detected. The most common treatments for colon cancer are chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy medicines kill the colon cancer cells, radiation therapy destroys the cancerous tissue present and surgery may be done to remove the cancer cells.</p>
<p>If treated at an early stage, nearly 90% of patients suffering from colon cancer may survive for minimum of five years after diagnosis. And in cases where the colon cancer does not recur within a period of five years, the patient is considered to be fully cured.<br />
<a href="http://www.womenscenter.com/">Orlando Women&#8217;s Center. Second, And Late Term Abortions Clinic.</a> Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women&#8217;s Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women, including abortions, physical examinations, family planning, counseling, laboratory services. Orlando Women&#8217;s Center. Second, And Late Term Abortions Clinic.</p>
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		<title>Skin Cancer Causes, Treatments and Effects</title>
		<link>http://www.alanahu.org/skin-cancer-causes-treatments-and-effects/</link>
		<comments>http://www.alanahu.org/skin-cancer-causes-treatments-and-effects/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 12 Feb 2011 23:52:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Christopher Kuntz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Skin-Cancer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[basal cell carcinoma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Melanoma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Skin Cancer Causes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Skin Cancer Effects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Skin Cancer Treatments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Squamous Cell Carcinoma]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alanahu.org/?p=2521</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Skin Cancer is one of the most common types of cancer with about one in five Americans being affected each year. The incidence of the cancer of the skin has been recorded to have risen over the years with the increase in the level of risk factor and carcinogens in the environment.
Though there are three [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Skin Cancer is one of the most common types of cancer with about one in five Americans being affected each year. The incidence of the cancer of the skin has been recorded to have risen over the years with the increase in the level of risk factor and carcinogens in the environment.</p>
<p>Though there are three common form of skin cancer; the Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma and Melanoma, the first two are not very serious and can be treated and cured easily. The third type, Melanoma, the cancer of the melanocyte is the most severe of the lot and causes the most number of skin cancer associated death around the world.</p>
<p>What are the main causes of Skin Cancer?<span id="more-2521"></span></p>
<p>.Exposure to sun</p>
<p>The number one cause of skin cancer is the over exposure to the Ultra Violet rays of the sun or any other sources. The time of exposure, the intensity of the UV rays and whether or not the skin was protected (with clothes or anti sun creams) all decides the chance of getting skin cancer in the long run.</p>
<p>.White skin</p>
<p>White skinned people are more prone to cancer of the skin than the darker skinned ones, and the difference comes due to the level of naturally occurring sun protecting pigment in the skin; melanin. Melanin pigment which is high in dark skin protects it from the harmful rays of the sun thus saving it from cancer. But dark skinned men too, do have a chance of the disease though comparatively less.</p>
<p>.Exposure to carcinogen</p>
<p>Certain chemicals like arsenic, tar, nicotine and oil are found to elevate the change of getting skin cancer. Though these come under skin carcinogen, only long term exposure is found to trigger the disease in many cases.</p>
<p>.Family history&#8217;</p>
<p>The genetic makeup and the family history can also contribute to the occurrence of skin cancer. Having someone in the family affected with skin cancer increases the chance of getting the disease.</p>
<p>Besides all these risk factors, there are still many factors that might cause skin cancer or elevate the chance of it.</p>
<p>How can skin cancer be treated?</p>
<p>There are a number of approaches to treat skin cancer depending on the severity of the disease and where it has affected. Early and proper diagnosis of the disease helps to treat it better and more effectively. The different approach towards effective treatment includes</p>
<p>.Surgery</p>
<p>Non melanomas cancer or tumour can be completely removed by different surgical approaches being followed today. Cryosurgery, simple excision, dermabrasion, laser surgery are among the surgical techniques that effectively removes the cancerous skin tissue.</p>
<p>.Chemotherapy</p>
<p>Inter venal or oral chemotherapeutic treatment targeted specifically on the cancerous cells can treat the cancer by either killing the cells or arresting their cell division capability. Cancer of the skin is also sometimes treated by applying the chemotherapeutic medicine on the affected skin in the form or creams or ointments.</p>
<p>.Radiation Therapy</p>
<p>The two forms, external or the internal radiation therapy may be used for the treatment depending on the type of cancer. Depending on the type of skin cancer and how much it had advanced, either form of the therapy is chosen.</p>
<p>.Photodynamic therapy</p>
<p>This is a more novel method to treat cancer and has little effect on the normal healthy tissue. Here photoactive drugs are given to the patient and these drugs specifically bind to the skin cells which are cancerous. When laser light is shone on the patients affected areas, the drug becomes active and kills off the diseased cells leaving of the normal cells.</p>
<p>What are the effects of Skin cancer treatment?</p>
<p>Different approaches towards the treatment of skin cancer have proven to be very effective in removing the tumour and controlling the cancerous growth. But as in every other cancer treatment, these treatment too comes with a few side effects.</p>
<p>Surgical removal of the cancerous tissue in the skin can result in a lifelong scar on the body. and sometimes even an expert surgeon cannot assure a cent percent zero scar removal of the cancer.</p>
<p>Chemotherapeutic treatment using creams and ointments can cause inflammation in the area of application. The inflammations caused in some people are so severe that they might have to discontinue the medication and switch to other treatment scheme. Chemotherapy can also cause nausea, vomiting and hair loss in the patients undergoing the treatment.</p>
<p>But after all the patent will be in gain undergoing the right cancer treatment on time, coz it will get rid of the most serious problem of all &#8216;Cancer&#8217;, set aside the smaller side effects coming with it.</p>
<p>By Neema Malik</p>
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		<title>Prognosis For Melanoma</title>
		<link>http://www.alanahu.org/prognosis-for-melanoma/</link>
		<comments>http://www.alanahu.org/prognosis-for-melanoma/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Feb 2011 23:43:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Christopher Kuntz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Skin-Cancer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Melanoma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[melanoma signs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[risk of melanoma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sun Radiation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tumors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alanahu.org/?p=2515</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The prognosis for melanoma can be very good, especially when detected early.
The melanoma signs can appear anywhere on your body, but they most often appear on areas that have had the most sun exposure such as your face, arms, back and legs. It can also appear on other areas that have had very little sun [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The prognosis for melanoma can be very good, especially when detected early.</p>
<p>The melanoma signs can appear anywhere on your body, but they most often appear on areas that have had the most sun exposure such as your face, arms, back and legs. It can also appear on other areas that have had very little sun exposure, such as under your feet, palms of your hands and at the fingernails. It is more common for people with dark skin to have these hidden melanomas.</p>
<p>One needs to be very aware of the dangers of radiation from the sun and tanning beds. All too often people raise their own risk of melanoma due to overexposure to ultraviolet rays. It needs to be kept in mind that melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer.</p>
<p>So what is the prognosis of melanoma?</p>
<p>Well it&#8217;s similar to any skin cancer prognosis in that it depends on the staging. Whereas the two other most common types of skin cancer (basal cell and squamous cell) grow slower and are usually more detectable in the early stages, the melanoma staging can advance more quickly and undetected.</p>
<p>What appears as a simple mole on your skin can be travelling inward without you even knowing.<span id="more-2515"></span></p>
<p>So be aware of any existing moles and be watching for any changes in color, size, shape and elevation. Be aware of any new moles occurring that you did not previously have.</p>
<p>Now back to the skin cancer prognosis for melanoma.</p>
<p>If detected in the early stage when still local, the prognosis is good or excellent. Survival rate at this stage is 95% to 100%.</p>
<p>If it has advanced inward deeper than 4 mm, then the survival rate is about 50% over a 5 year period. Stages 2 and 3 often have a good survival rate.</p>
<p>If it advances to the lymph nodes or blood, it can create tumors in other vital organs.</p>
<p>If you&#8217;re not being told a good prognosis by your doctor, don&#8217;t be willing to give up easily.</p>
<p>There are alternative options available that may work better for you. I&#8217;d recommend you read about Peggy Sue who was cured from cancer by alternative natural treatments after being given 3 months to live by the medical doctors. Here&#8217;s her site: http://www.cancer-research-awareness.com/skin-cancer.html.</p>
<p>Her cancer wasn&#8217;t skin cancer, but you must keep in mind that the body is a whole and should be treated as a whole. Make the body well and you will be free of all disease.</p>
<p>Personally I would say, if your prognosis for melanoma is good, then it may be a good idea to let it be removed surgically.</p>
<p>But from that point on YOU should take control of your health by learning and living a healthier diet and life style.</p>
<p>It could mean a lot of drastic changes, but I did it and it&#8217;s well worth it to me.</p>
<p>Gary Harmon is a 20 year survivor of stage III squamous cell carcinoma skin cancer. So, much of what he says comes from his own experiences. If you want to learn more about skin cancer visit http://www.skin-cancer-experiences.com/prognosis-for-melanoma.html or just go to http://www.skin-cancer-experiences.com.</p>
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