Cancer is a scary subject and comes in many forms. Skin cancer is one of the more prevalent versions and, unfortunately, one most people do not take seriously enough.
Imagine sitting in a doctor’s office and being told you have cancer. Although cancer treatment has come a long way, it would still be a devastating moment. Are you going to die? Is it curable? Why you? These are the types of questions that will undoubtedly come to mind immediately. With many forms of cancer, there is a certain luck of the draw element as to why you get them. Skin cancer, however, is one you can take steps to avoid.
What is skin cancer? It is a malignant growth on the skin, typically forming on the epidermis or outer layer of the skin. It is often associated with repeated sun burns or extensive exposure to the sun over time. It is also becoming more common due to increased ultraviolet radiation penetration in the atmosphere.
Skin cancer typically can be categorized in three ways. Malignant melanoma is the worst and is fatal if not diagnosed and treated early. It is, however, the least prevalent of the categories. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common, has a hereditary element and is rarely fatal. It tends to be isolated and is often treated with surgery or topical chemotherapy. Squamous cell carcinoma is a form of cancer that occurs on both the skin and internal organs. It can be caused by many things including exposure to the sun and can metastasize or spread through the body.
The nature of skin cancer is such that it often can be avoided if precautionary steps are taken. If you enjoy laying on the beach or working outside, using proper sun block is simple and effective. The key is to use it liberally and frequently. While this seems like common sense, the sheer number of skin cancer cases reported each year indicate that people are not using it. Laziness is most likely the cause. If you fall in this category, do your really want to risk skin cancer, particularly malignant melanoma that can kill you?
If you are going to be out in the sun, whether skiing, sitting on a beach, hiking or working, make sure to protect yourself. Using sun screen is a minor task that can prevent big problems.
Skin Cancer Prevention
RISK FACTORS FOR SKIN CANCER:
A number of things can put a person at risk for skin cancer. The primary risk factors are:
*You have fair skin, red or blond hair, and light-colored eyes.
*You sunburn easily or have experienced a serious sunburn (sunburns are thought to increase your risk of skin cancer).
*You have many moles or freckles.
*You spend a lot of time working or playing outside.
*You live in tropical or subtropical climates.
*You have a family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma.
*You spent a lot of time in the sun as a child. Most skin cancers appear after the age of 50. However, the damaging effects of the sun begin in childhood.
*You tan in the sun or with a sunlamp or tanning bed. Sun lamps and tanning beds give out rays that can cause serious long-term skin damage and contribute to skin cancer.
There are other factors that can impact your risk of damage from UV light. You must be especially careful in the sun if:
*You have previously been diagnosed and treated for skin cancer, especially melanoma.
*You have any auto-immune disease such as systemic lupus.
*You have had an organ transplant.
*You take oral contraceptives (birth control pills).
*You take any antibiotics that lower your immunity.
*You take any anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, diuretic, or antidepressant drugs.
Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about the risk of any medicines you may be taking that could be harmful to you if you are exposed to sunlight.
SKIN CANCER PREVENTION:
Skin cancer is mostly avoidable if sensible precautions are taken. The following are preventive tips for reducing your risk of developing skin cancer:
*Stay in the shade between 11am and 3 pm, when the sun is at its strongest. UV radiation is at its most intense in the middle of the day between April and September, and is strongest closer to the equator and at higher altitudes.
*You can still get burned on cloudy days. UV rays reach the ground through the clouds.
*UV rays can also pass through water. Never assume you are safe from burning because you are in the water.
*Sand and snow reflect the UV rays. Be especially careful on the beach and in the snow.
*When in the sun, wear protective clothing. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and long skirts offer the most protection. Dark colors are better than light colors. Tightly woven clothing protects better than loosely woven clothing.
*Always wear wide-brimmed hats that shade your face as much as possible.
*Always wear sunglasses. UV-blocking sunglasses can help protect your eyes from sun damage.
*Always apply sunscreen with a sun-protection factor (SPF) of 15 to 30 before spending time in the sun. When applying it, pay close attention to your face, ears, hands, and arms. Sunscreens should be reapplied at least every 2 hours and even more often if you are swimming or sweating. If you are also using insect repellent, make sure the sunscreen is applied first.
*Give yourself a self-exam every month for signs of skin cancer. Examine every inch of your body including your scalp. Use a mirror to expose the areas on the back of your body. Be aware of the moles you have in order to notice any changes that may occur.
To effectively prevent skin cancer, you must pay special attention to the risk factors and follow the precautionary tips that are listed above. Taking these steps will greatly decrease you and your family’s chances of developing skin cancer.
