body part is removed. However, since a persons skin cannot be removed, in its entirety, this presents more of a problem to physicians. Skin cancer is somewhat curable when diagnosed and treated early. And, its somewhat preventable by avoiding sun and tanning bed exposure. Sunscreen is a simple, easy, and convenient artificial defense against skin cancer. There are three main types of skin cancer. Melanoma is the least common, but most serious because this type is responsible for at least three fourths of the skin cancer deaths per year (Encarta encyclopedia, cdrom). The other types of skin cancer are basal cell and squamous cell cancers. These two are referred to as "non-melanoma" skin cancers. Another rare type of skin cancer, known as Kaposi's sarcoma, is rarely seen (Barnes-Savarney, 177). The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell skin cancer. However, Melonoma is the fastest growing type of cancer, affecting approximately 32,000 americans in 1993 (Encarta Encyclopedi, cdrom). Melanoma is triggered by ultraviolet rays from the sun and is signaled by the growth or appearance of an irregular mole on the skin. The mole may be diagnosed based on its size, shape, color, or texture, or due to its tenderness or hardness. Developing skin cancer is a two step process. It involves initiation and promotion of malignant growth. Since the ultraviolet rays harm the mechanism for repairing cell damage, one the repair system is impaired, cells become increasingly vulnerable to injury. Subsequent ultraviolet exposure make it worse, and can inititate malignancy. After ultraviolet exposure, the repair mechanism in the body, normally directs damaged cells to "commit suicide". This is the explanation for why skin peels after sun tanning and sun burns. However, previously damaged cells with a malfunctioning repair system escape this process. Genetic damage accumulates as normal cells die and abnormal ones survi...
