The most common type of cancer globally is skin cancer, but the good news is that it is also one of the most preventable. One might think that only fair-skinned people or those who spend much time under the sun get skin cancer; however, this is not true. Making those little changes in your life may lead to powerful ways to protect your skin, so it remains healthy and youthful for years to come.
Understanding Skin Cancer
What exactly is skin cancer, then? Simply stated, the cells of your skin become malignant. The most common cause is due to DNA damage that’s caused by ultraviolet radiation, the sun, and tanning beds. All of these eventually, over many years, create mutations and result in cancer.
Three forms of skin cancers exist; there are basal cell and squamous cell types, plus melanoma, which is the worst kin
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common kind, and typically presents itself as a shiny bump or a flat lesion. The common sites for this skin cancer are those parts of the body that are exposed to the sun often, such as the face, neck, and arms. It grows slowly and poses little danger, but may damage surrounding tissue if untreated.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): SCC commonly presents as a red, scaly patch or a firm bump. Though more aggressive than BCC and capable of spreading, it is curable in most cases if detected early.
Melanoma: This is the rarest but the deadliest type of skin cancer. Melanoma typically begins as a peculiar-looking mole or as a change in a current mole. Melanoma is a highly aggressive tumor and can metastasize rapidly to other parts of the body. It needs early detection to be treated properly.
UV Radiation and Risk Factors
The most prominent cause of skin cancer is UV radiation emitted from the sun. Two forms of UV rays have been primarily identified:
- UVA rays: These radiate deeply into the skin, thus causing long-term skin damage, such as wrinkles and aging. These have been also associated with causing cancer on the skin.
- UVB rays: These cause sunburns and are more directly related to the cause of skin cancer.
Certain things make you more likely to develop skin cancer. If you have a history of light skin or light-colored eyes, then you are in a high-risk category. People who have had a lot of sunburns or had a weakened immune system may also be in greater danger. However, just because you might not fall under these categories doesn’t mean everyone should not do their best to protect the skin from damage.
Sun Protection: Your First Line of Defense
Sunscreen will be your best friend if you want to protect your skin from skin cancer. It is a simple method that can protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Here’s how you can protect your skin:
Wear Sunscreen: Always, always, always put sunscreen on your skin – including your ears, neck, and tops of feet – with an SPF number of at least 30 for protection against broad-spectrum coverage. Apply sunscreen a maximum of 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. To provide the most protection, use sunscreens frequently and apply them to previously unprotected areas every two hours or after swimming, exercising, or sweating.
Seek Shade: The sun is more intense between 10 and 4. Try and stay in the shade during such hours. If you don’t have an option and have to stay out there, take plenty of rest in the shade.
Protective Clothing: A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and long-sleeve clothing can protect the skin from the sun. Available in the market are clothes with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings, which have the ability to block UV rays. These are great options if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
Avoid tanning beds: Although tanning beds may look like a shortcut to achieving that tan, they put you in direct contact with concentrated UV radiation doses, which raise your chances of developing skin cancer. Just forget them and embrace your natural color. If you want to look sun-kissed, use self-tanning products.
What to Avoid?
In addition to sun protection, there are habits and conditions that you must avoid to reduce your risk of skin cancer even further:
Daily Interactions with Chemicals: If you handle chemicals, solvents, or other harmful substances in your work, you need to wear protective gloves, clothing, and other protective gear. Certain chemicals that you are exposed to may cause damage to your skin and contribute to the risk of skin cancer.
Living in unhygienic conditions: Poor hygiene and untreated skin infections can also increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Keeping your skin clean, moisturized, and free of infection will help keep it healthy.
Pay No Attention to Skin Problems: If you notice any abnormalities with your skin, do not ignore them. Look out for new moles or any changes in the size, color, or shape of existing moles. Persistent skin problems such as rashes or sores should also be checked by a dermatologist.
Wearing Uncomfortable Clothes: Wearing tight clothes or clothing that does not allow your skin to breathe may irritate your skin and damage it over time. Opt for loose-fitting, breathable clothing to reduce the risk of irritation and damage.
Tattoos are generally a safe practice. However, if not executed properly, they can sometimes cause serious complications. To avoid complications, ensure to get it from a professional artist, who uses all the clean equipment and proper precautions before doing the process.
Use of Unrequired Beauty Products: Some cosmetic products contain harsh chemicals and can irritate your skin or cause damage in the long run. Use beauty products that suit your kind of skin, and abstain from loading your skin with unnecessary beauty treatments.
Early Detection: Skin Cancer Caught Early
Early detection is the survival key in skin cancer. Therefore, one needs to make self-checks and professional exams of the skin. The sooner the changes are noticed, the higher the chance of treatment being successful. In conducting your self-exams, look for the ABCDEs of melanoma:
- A for Asymmetry: Is the mole uneven in shape?
- B for Border: Are the edges irregular or jagged?
- C for Color: Is the color uneven, with shades of brown, black, or even red or blue?
- D for Diameter: Is the mole larger than the size of a pencil eraser?
- E for Evolving: Has the mole changed in size, shape, or color over time?
If you notice any of these signs, or if something just doesn’t seem right, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist right away. The sooner you address the issue, the better your outcome will likely be.
Lastly
Skin cancer can be avoided with proper prevention. This is achieved through the use of sunscreen, avoidance of tanning beds, and keeping an eye out for any changes in your skin. Protect your skin from the sun and monitor your skin to detect any changes. With good precautions, early detection would be possible, and this will help keep your skin healthy for many years ahead. So, stay safe and sun-protected at all times!
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