Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) accounts for about 20% of skin cancers, and occurs mainly on sun-exposed surfaces, although with a slightly different distribution. For example, SCC is relatively more common on the ears, hands, arms, and legs than Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC).
Unlike BCC, SCC usually arises from an actinic keratosis (AK), a reddish, crusting, precancerous lesion also related to UV esposure. AKs may occur at a relatively young age, and behave in an indolent manner for years. About 1 in 20 AKs will transform into SCC over 20 years, and the presence of AKs identifies persons who are likely to develop skin cancer.
SCC is almost 100% curable when treated early, but in later stages can become extremely dangerous, not only invading locally, but metastasizing to other parts of the body. About 2% of skin SCCs ultimately lead to death, or about 2,000 deaths per year in the United States.
Because UV Exposure is the single most important risk factor for skin cancer, sun protection is the best way to decrease the risk. Suggestions include:
Wear protective clothing, including a hat with 3 inch brim (Not a baseball-type cap!)
Avoid exposure when the Sun’s rays are most intense, especially between 10am and 3pm
Use Sunscreens and Sunblocks, at least SPF 15
Protect infants and children from overexposure and especially sunburn-it’s estimated that lifetime risk of skin cancer could be reduced 80% with proper sun protection in childhood.
Risk factors for Increased Risk of Squamous Cell Skin Cancer
History of squamous cell skin cancer
Increased Risk of Squamous Cell Skin Cancer can lead to
Recommendations for Increased Risk of Squamous Cell Skin Cancer
Fish Oil / Krill
Please see the link between Squamous Cell Skin Cancer risk and Essential Fatty Acids.
Reading List
The Eggplant Cancer Cure – A Treatment for Skin Cancer and New Hope for Other Cancers From Natures Pharmacy by Dr. Bill E. Cham, Ph.D.
Treatment with an eggplant extract, discussed in this book, and elsewhere on the Internet, has proven highly effective in curing skin cancers other than melanomas. More information can be found at his web site.
Curaderm BEC5 Cream is the revolutionary skin cancer treatment which is becoming the topic of discussion in health food stores, doctor’s offices and at the dinner table. BEC5 comes from a plant substance called solsaodine glycosides found in Nightshade plants such as eggplant. With more than 25 years of research, Dr. Cham claims a more than 95% success rate in treating and removing these forms of non-melanoma skin carcinoma without damage to the surrounding tissue. The cream has not proven to be effective in treating melanoma. Further studies with other extracts (BEC and BEC2) have shown a 100% success rate.
Essential Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), can effectively reduce the risk of skin cancer whereas omega 6 fatty acids such as arachidonic acid (AA) reportedly promote risk. To reduce the risk of skin cancer, increase your intake of Omega 3 oils AND reduce your intake of omega 6 oils to achieve a better ratio of the two. [PNAS June 19, 2001 vol. 98 no. 13 pp.7510-7515]
Key
| Strong or generally accepted link |
| May do some good |
| Likely to help |
| Highly recommended |
Glossary
Carcinoma
Malignant growth of epithelial cells tending to infiltrate the surrounding tissue and giving rise to metastasis.
SCC
Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
BCC
Basal Cell Carcinoma.
Precancerous Lesion
Abnormal tissue that is not yet malignant.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.