Health & Fitness
Information on Skin Cancer - Preventive Measures and Common Assumptions
Skin is the largest organ of the body and skin cancer the takes lives of over 2500 people annually.
Did you know?
Skin is the largest organ of the body and skin cancer the takes lives of over 2500 people annually. It is one of the most common cancers in the world. Adults over age 40, especially men, have the highest annual exposure to the UV rays. 1 in 50 men and women will be susceptible to melanoma, a type of cancer, during their lifetime.
Cells in our body have a life span. When the old cells, instead of dying, multiply, they form benign or malignant tumors. Malignant tumors are those which cause cancer. Skin cells are of three types. Basal cells, cells of middle layer and the top layer. UV rays from the sunlight, which are the main cause for the skin damage, thus cause cancer in different levels. Skin cancer can be majorly divided into three types.
Find out what's happening in Tarpon Springsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
-
Basal cell carcinoma: This type of cancer occurs in the base layer of the skin. It is mainly caused due to over exposure in the sun, age, therapeutic radiation and exposure to UV radiation. BCC can be easily treated if detected at an early stage. They are the most common of the three skin cancers.
-
Squamous cell melanoma: Squamous cells form the surface of the skin. This type of cancer is the second most common cancer. It leads to a formation of red and a thickened patch on the skin. It is not as fatal as the melanoma. SCC is caused due to chronic exposure to sun, infections and sometimes can also be hereditary.
Find out what's happening in Tarpon Springsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Melanoma: When the melanocyte cells are effected leading to an unrepairable DNA damage to these pigment cells, Melanoma is caused. This is the deadliest of the cancers and leads to the majority of the deaths due to skin cancer. It is caused due to intensive exposure to harsh UV rays, artificial tanning beds and also sometimes due to family history.
Precautions:
The least harmful of the skin cancers result in skin defects and the most dangerous type will also lead to death. It is, hence, very essential to take precaution and avoid expensive treatments and cosmetics surgeries of skin.
-
The sun rays are the most harmful during 10am-4pm. Avoid going out in the sun during this time.
The rays of the sun have high penetration power. Rays reflected by sand, water and pavement may also damage the sun. Hence, be extremely cautious while stepping out in the sun during the peak time.
Use good quality sunscreen lotion which block UV rays from damaging your skin cells. SPF should be at least 15 (sometimes more, defers from place to place). Apply sun screen before 1 hour of stepping outside and re-apply every one hour.
Select your clothing appropriately. Long sleeves, caps, UV ray absorbing sunglasses, socks will expose less surface area of your skin thus lowering the risk and susceptibility.
Avoid tanning beds. These beds have high amounts of UV ray emissions and can damage skin cells very easily.
Visit a dermatologist once a month and get a checkup of skin, hair and nails.
Any abnormal appearance of new moles and scars should be medically examined and thoroughly checked. Sudden increase in the mole size should never be ignored.
With the increase in ozone layer holes, a large amount of UV rays sneak into the earth’s atmosphere. Rewinding on a sun bed near a beach, relaxing outside on a sunny day or just the idea of “fun in the sun” may be more harmful than fun. So, next time you step out, make sure you are well protected!
Lucy: She is a traveler and health expert. She writes in her free time for financial blogs. Her expertise lies in insurance, banking, missold ppi and loans
