Skin cancer: can be prevented

You may have gotten tired of reading the article by saying that it's important to avoid overexposure to the sun and use sunscreen to not give skin cancer a chance in the future and it didn't even bother, because, after all, people overdo it . But not in this case. That's because overexposure to ultraviolet light can damage the DNA in skin cells and increase the skin cancer risk melanoma type or not. Skin cells are very susceptible to damage from exposure to ultraviolet light.

Why is ultraviolet light so dangerous?

UVA and UVB are the most common, and A is the most dangerous to the skin, as it is most absorbed and comes from the sun, lamps, tanning chambers and is present on cold and cloudy days. What happens is that UVA light is not filtered by the ozone layer and the skin absorbs it, causing changes in elastic and collagen fibers, causing wrinkles, loss of elasticity, stains and the main: may cause mutations in our DNA, which favors cancer.

Aging: Another Skin Cancer Villain

The passage of time alone is not harmful, but the body's immune system is less able to fight off infections and control the growth of "foreign" cells. People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for developing skin cancer. For this reason, it is more common for people over 40 to have skin cancer.

Does food have anything to do?

A diet rich in antioxidant foods (fruits such as red guava, orange and grapes; dark green vegetables, tomatoes, and natural juices) helps the skin eliminate free radicals that can contribute to any cancer as we get older. Not smoking and alcohol abuse also helps to avoid, as these two habits accelerate skin aging, also due to free radicals.

How do I know I can have cancer?

Skin cancer is a tumor formed by cells that have undergone a transformation and multiply in a disorderly and abnormal manner, giving rise to a new tissue (neoplasia). This type of cancer mainly affects white-skinned people, who burn easily and almost never tan. About 90% of the lesions are located in the areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun (arms and face), which shows the importance of sun exposure for the appearance of the tumor.

The most common types

Basal cell carcinoma: is the most common and not usually malignant. It is related to UVB radiation, which predominates between 10 and 14h. It appears in the form of a non-healing lump or wound and its growth is slow.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: It is rarer and is related to sunburn or scarring. It usually begins with a rough reddish lesion that grows in size and bleeds easily.

Malignant melanoma: is what most frightens. Its incidence has been increasing worldwide. It appears from dark skin signs, but it can also occur on uninjured skin. The best way to prevent this is to maintain the habit of observing pints frequently (self-examination), as well as visiting a dermatologist once a year. This type facilitates metastasis, which is when cancer spreads to other parts of the body, so it is so serious.

Yes, you can avoid as long as:

• Do not stay long in the sun from 10 am to 4 pm.
• Always use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) above 30 (factors below 15 do not protect against cancer). Spread generous portions at least 20 minutes before sunning, reapply after dipping or perspiring too much. In everyday life, at work, for example, reapply twice a day.
• The vast majority of skin cancers are on the face, so you have to protect it as well. Be sure to wear earmuffs and lip balm: these are often badly affected by the disease.
• The sooner you wear protective, the better it is, since skin cancer arises from the cumulative effect of the sun. So show your children the importance of this habit.
• Do not wait and check with a dermatologist if there are any spots on your skin that are changing, form? Peels? on the surface and bleed easily.

The treatments

When non-melanoma skin cancer If it is detected early, the biopsy is sufficient to remove it completely and no further treatment is required. For advanced melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer, a set of treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and immunotherapy are usually required.

Like any skin problem, as soon as treatment is detected and started, it is less harsh and the chances of a cure are quite high and even faster, so it is so important that you analyze your spots and blemishes regularly and go to the dermatologist regularly, Combined?

Skin Cancer Prevention and Detection - Mayo Clinic (April 2024)