Publication Date
Spring 4-10-2017
School
School of Health Sciences
Major
Health Promotion: Clinical Track
Keywords
Skin Cancer, Melanoma, Prevention, Treatment, Dermatology
Disciplines
Diseases | Medicine and Health Sciences | Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases
Recommended Citation
Queen, Lauren, "Skin Cancer: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment" (2017). Senior Honors Theses. 648.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/648
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the causes, prevention, and treatment of skin cancer. Skin cancers are defined as either malignant or benign cells that typically arise from excessive exposure to UV radiation. Arguably, skin cancer is a type of cancer that can most easily be prevented; prevention of skin cancer is relatively simple, but often ignored. An important aspect in discussing the epidemiology of skin cancer is understanding the treatments that are available, as well as the prevention methods that can be implemented in every day practice. It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer during his or her lifetime, and that one person will die from melanoma every hour of the day. To an epidemiologist and health promotion advocate, these figures are daunting for a disease, especially for a disease that has ample means of prevention. However, even with sufficient prevention methods, a lack of education and promotion of a practice will not lead to favorable results. This thesis will aim to uncover the causes and treatments associated with skin cancer, the disease, distribution, and determinants of the disease, and finally, how the promotion of the practice of prevention of this disease can be furthered.
