Here we tell you what you need to know to prevent this disease.
The season of intense sun is about to begin and, although we do not want to be pessimistic, it seems to us a very good idea to make a little awareness of the effects that inadequate exposure to the sun has on the skin. Remember that among the main risk factors for developing skin cancer is excessive exposure to natural UV rays or from tanning beds.
Most of us do not believe that you can develop it. We expose ourselves to the Sun thinking? It won’t happen to me? or similar phrases. But when it comes to skin cancer, despite being such a common disease, it is highly preventable. And that’s the best news we have for you.
Keep reading, we want you to have no doubts about this disease this time:
What is skin cancer?
It is a very broad term that refers to any cancer that begins in the cells of the skin. The most common types are: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
It usually appears as a bump, lump, or irregular patch on the surface of the skin that, as it grows, changes color, shape, or size. The problem is that, if not treated in time, it could grow into the dermis and subcutaneous tissues; in advanced cases, it spreads to muscle tissue, cartilage, or bone. Even reaching other areas of the body such as the liver and lungs.
What are the symptoms?
Unusual skin growth, lumps, or irritations that don’t go away may be the first signs of skin cancer.
Basal cell carcinomas of the head and neck appear as pale patches on the skin or as a translucent lump. If they appear on the chest, they may look more like a brown scar or skin lesion.
In the case of melanoma, the appearance of new spots on the skin or the change in size or color in existing moles can be symptoms.
Dr. Homero Fuentes de la Peña, an oncologist at the Integral Clinic of Tijuana, Baja California, and President of ProOncavi, AC, who collaborates closely with Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), mentions that “like most Cancers, Melanoma does not have a single and known cause, the greatest risks for acquiring it are: irresponsible sun exposure, older age, lower immunological competence of people, or previous health conditions such as Xeroderma pigmentosum. “
In addition, he points out that “the highest incidence of melanomas occurs in Australia and New Zealand, it is up to 3 times more frequent than in European countries, it is rare in Africa and Asia, in Mexico the occurrence of them is somewhere in between 2 ends. “
Every case of skin cancer is different; therefore, it is best to go to the experts. In Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) they have extensive experience in treating this disease and diagnose time to develop appropriate treatment and customized for each specific type.
Tips to protect the skin at any time of the year
Basic: apply sunscreen. Do it generously on face and body and also use lip balm. Apply several times a day, especially after exercising or doing water activities.
Avoid the sun . Especially between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and don’t trust cloudy days. The Skin Cancer Foundation (in the USA) estimates that up to 80% of harmful UV rays pass through the clouds.
Follow the shadow rule. If under the Sun it is lower than you, the solar rays are at their strongest point, therefore it is better to stay in the shade.
Protect yourself with clothing . Especially try to use closed fabrics.
Wear sunglasses. But with protection, they absorb up to 99% of UV rays.
Avoid tanning beds. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation (in the US), people who use tanning beds receive up to 12 times more the annual dose of Ultraviolet Rays than those who are exposed to natural sunlight.
Examine yourself from head to toe. Once a month check your skin and see a doctor if you notice irregularities.
Visit the dermatologist once a year. It is very important that a specialist perform a professional full body exam.