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Basal Cell Carcinoma Research Paper

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Basal cell carcinoma is one of, if not the most, common malignant skin cancer amongst Caucasians. Based on research conducted by the American Cancer Society, this specific type of cancer accounts for just about “80 percent of all non-melanoma skin cancers”(Rubin, Chen, and Ratner 2262). Rates in the U.S. are estimated to be at about 407 basal-cell cases for every 100,000 Caucasian males. The same case studies show 212 basal-cell cases for every 100,000 Caucasian females. Australia however holds the highest overall rate for basal-cell carcinoma in the entire world.

Studies show that people who show pre-disposure to basal-cell carcinoma carry certain Physical attributes. These include red and/or blonde hair; certain eye colors; specifically blue or green, sunburns and freckles if developed in childhood, and a background of skin cancer within their family history. This means it can be hereditary. The ingestion of the chemical element arsenic, as well as a history of treatment for immunosuppression also makes an individual more susceptible towards contracting this type of cancer. …show more content…

The largest basic source for ultraviolet radiation is the sun and is considered to be the basis for most skin cancers. Even though sunlight accounts for being the leading risk factor for UV rays, tanning beds and lamps have been found to produce these same UV rays. These rays can damage the skin cells DNA, and if it happens to impair the genes that regulate skin cell growth, then cancer will begin to

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