Skin Cancer Archive

A 2025 study suggested that boosting dietary calcium intake may reduce the odds of developing colorectal cancer, while drinking more alcohol may raise risks for the disease.

The protein collagen supports skin, hair, nail, bone, joint, and muscle health. As people age, natural collagen production drops. Some early research suggests collagen supplements offer benefits, but people should ask their doctor about the pros and cons.

Wearing nail polish does not harm nails. However, doing so for long periods can dry out the surface, prompting chalky, white patches to form. Removing nail polish with acetone-based products can also dry out the nails and surrounding skin.

Varicose veins are not just unsightly and uncomfortable; they can also be harbingers of more serious conditions, including deep-vein blood clots and venous ulcers. Ablation therapies to eradicate varicose veins can lower these risks. People can also try simple strategies to prevent and improve varicose veins, including doing exercises that work their calf muscles, elevating their legs, and wearing compression stockings.

Cancer survivors are more likely to die of heart disease than from cancer-related complications. One reason is that certain cancer treatments can cause cardiovascular complications. But the two diseases share many root causes, including tobacco use and obesity, as well as diabetes and high cholesterol. Growing evidence suggests that people with heart disease may be more likely to develop cancer.

A portion of the two million Americans diagnosed with cancer each year choose to keep the news private or tell only a select few people. These patients may wish to avoid extra attention, sympathy, or different treatment; bypass burdening or alarming others; protect their job; feel in control of an uncertain situation; or sidestep judgment if their cancer is related to lifestyle choices. But opting for secrecy can pose several disadvantages, depriving patients of practical and emotional support and aggravating stress, anxiety, and depression.

Generalized itching is common and has many potential causes. Examples include skin changes that occur with age; skin conditions; and many other diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney disease, and liver disease. Relief involves treating underlying conditions; using medications that ease itching; bathing with lukewarm rather than hot water; using soap only on the armpits, genitals, feet, and face; and moisturizing immediately after showering or bathing.

Although a clinical trial showed daily aspirin use didn't help women with breast cancer avoid recurrence or improve survival, other evidence-backed measures might. Exercise, weight control, and a healthy diet are linked with lower recurrence and longer survival, but alcohol use, smoking, and supplement use are not. While it's not always clear how lifestyle approaches help lower the odds of recurrence or death from breast cancer, healthy measures can improve women's ability to keep other conditions at bay or manage them more effectively.