Our 24/7 cancer helpline provides information and answers for people dealing with cancer. We can connect you with trained cancer information specialists who will answer questions about a cancer diagnosis and provide guidance and a compassionate ear.
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Our highly trained specialists are available 24/7 via phone and on weekdays can assist through online chat. We connect patients, caregivers, and family members with essential services and resources at every step of their cancer journey. Ask us how you can get involved and support the fight against cancer. Some of the topics we can assist with include:
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- Cancer Information
For medical questions, we encourage you to review our information with your doctor.
- What Is Cancer?
- Can Cancer Be Cured?
- Understanding What Cancer Is: Ancient Times to Present
- Understanding Cancer Causes: Ancient Times to Present
- History of Cancer Epidemiology: 18th Century to Present
- History of Cancer Screening and Early Detection: 20th Century to Present
- History of Cancer Treatments: Surgery
- History of Cancer Treatments: Hormone therapy
- History of Cancer Treatments: Radiation Therapy
- History of Cancer Treatments: Chemotherapy
- History of Cancer Treatments: Immunotherapy
- History of Cancer Treatments: Targeted Therapy
- Advancement of Cancer Survivorship
- Finding Cancer Information on the Internet
Skin
Skin is made up of three layers—the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis— and acts as a protective barrier between internal structures and the outside world.
The epidermis is the outermost layer and is mostly made of keratinocytes to form the skin’s protective barrier. The epidermis also contains melanocytes which control skin color and protects other skin cells from DNA damage by absorbing UV rays.
The dermis is the skin’s thickest layer. It provides support and contains nerve endings, sweat glands, oil glands, hair follicles, blood vessels, and lymph vessels.
The hypodermis (also called the subcutaneous layer) is a layer of fat and connective tissue below the dermis.
The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team
Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as editors and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.
Last Revised: December 13, 2022
American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.
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