Discussion: Skin cancer

For full credit on discussions, you must address all questions to be considered (see instructions below).

You have learned in chapter 3  that cancer results from uncontrolled division, which is caused by a mutation in the DNA.  Mutations occur often, however, our cells employ several corrective mechanisms to destroy the affected cells before they can divide to produce more mutated cells.

In chapter 5, you learned that epithelial cancers are the most common type and are called carcinomas.   We know that UV radiation from the sun can lead to mutations in DNA, so it makes sense that the epidermis of the skin, composed of epithelium that is exposed to the sun’s harmful rays, is at great risk of developing carcinomas. 

You will watch two short video segments before posting to this discussion.  These videos, which are both from a news programs, focus on the risks of sun exposure, as well as ways to prevent and detect changes in the skin.  The second video addresses possible answers for the rise in skin cancer diagnoses and the differences in treatments for skin cancer.  The U.S. Preventive Task Force is considering ways to reduce the rate of skin cancer in our country.  In Australia, the SunSmart initiative is a more aggressive campaign to protect residents from sun exposure.  Schools in Australia even have “shade audits” to determine their compliance with regulations set up by SunSmart.

For this discussion, you will post your response to these videos.  How important is it to be proactive in sun protection?  Is it neglectful for parents to not be proactive with their children?  Your response should be thoughtful and related to content.  This discussion is graded and will close on Friday.