Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. and the number of cases continues to rise. It is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. This rapid growth causes tumors, which may be harmless (cancer-free) or dangerous (cancer-free).
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell cancers are the worst forms and make up 95% of all skin cancers. Also called non-melanoma skin cancer, it is best treated with early treatment. Melanoma, which is made up of abnormal skin cells called melanocytes, is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and causes 75% of all skin cancer deaths. Left untreated, it can spread to other organs and be difficult to control.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the primary cause of skin cancer, but UV light from tan beds is equally dangerous. Exposure to the sun during the winter months exposes you to the dangers of summer exposure, since UVA radiation is present during the day.
Increased sun exposure mainly causes basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer, while episodes of severe sunburn, usually before the age of 18, may increase the risk of developing melanoma. Other common causes are frequent X-ray exposure and work exposure to certain chemicals.
Although anyone can get skin cancer, the risk is much higher for people with easily white or spotted skin, light eyes and white or red hair. People with dark skin can also get all types of skin cancer, although their risk is much lower.
Apart from color, other risk factors include family history or personal history of skin cancer, outdoor activity and sun exposure. A history of severe sunburn and a large number of (more than 30) of large and unusually large moles are dangerous features found in melanoma.
Nothing can completely reverse the sun damage, although the skin can repair itself, especially with continued sun protection. Therefore, it is not too late to start protecting yourself from the sun. Your skin changes with age - for example, you sweat a little and your skin can take a long time to cool down, but you can delay these changes by getting out of the sun. Follow these tips to help prevent skin cancer:
- Apply a wide sunscreen with 30 or more sunscreen (SPF) (UVB protection), zinc oxide (UVA protection), and iron oxide (visible light and blue) 20 minutes before exposure to the sun and every 2 hours. after that, more if you sweat or swim. Check the label for directions.
- Choose clothing, cosmetic products, and contact lenses that provide UV protection.
- Wear sunglasses with full UV protection and a wide-brimmed hat to create shade on your face and neck.
- Avoid exposure to the sun as much as possible during high hours of UV radiation (between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.). UVA rays, which cause premature aging of the skin and trigger skin cancer, have been eliminated throughout the day.
- Regularly inspect the skin (at least monthly) to familiarize yourself with existing plants and to see any changes or new growth.
- Eighty percent of exposure to the sun in a person's life is detected before the age of 18. As a parent, set a good example and encourage your child's cancer prevention practices.
You must be logged in to post a comment.