The Rise Of Skin Cancer And Importance Of Prevention
For the most part of their life, humans seem to take for granted the role and function
of the skin by paying little to no attention to its condition until something bad happens to it. The skin represents the largest organ of the body and has various functions that range from protecting against heat, light, injuries, infections, bacteria and pathogens, to regulating body temperature, storing water, fat and vitamin D, and facilitating sensory protection.
Therefore, due to its valuable role in serving as a barrier for our internal organs from the outside world, the skin is easily affected by environmental factors. If not properly protected, the skin can undergo serious lesions or diseases, one of them being cancer. Although cancer is the result of a genetic and environmental mixture, excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, whether from a natural or artificial sources, carries the highest risk of causing a serious health concern.
Despite the skins natural strength and protection from UV radiation, each individuals genetics decides the resistance or length of exposure it can tolerate, before the skin is severely damaged. Unfortunately, this is an unknown factor and for some people, represents a couple of childhood sunburns, while for others, mean years of exposure to the Sun through leisure or working conditions.
The damage caused by UV radiation can lead to an abnormal growth of skin cells (called tumors) which if proven to be malignant, is a sign of cancer. There are four types of skin cancer which include: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and merkel cell carcinoma. Basal cell and squamous cell are the most common forms of skin cancer, while melanoma is more rare, but also more aggressive and deadly. According to American Academy of Dermatology, more than 1 million people are diagnosed annually with cancer (without counting the melanoma cases) and it is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. The biggest concern is linked to the steady increase of melanoma cases which currently is the most common form of cancer among adults 25-29 years old, and the second most common form in adolescents and young adults 15-29 years old. Melanoma alone represents the cause of 75 percent of all skin cancer deaths.
Despite the encouraging evidence that skin cancer can be effectively treated if diagnosed in its early stage, the personal, emotional, economic, and health costs are quite high. Therefore, doctors encourage the general public to examine their sun exposure habits and recommend the usage of preventive measures to avoid the negative effects of ultraviolet light and reduce their risk of developing skin cancer.
Although the risk of developing cancer is a very individualized formula in which many variables influence the final outcome, familiarizing oneself with the risk factors and using preventive measures help people protect themselves. While sunscreen products are the most advertised and reinforced forms of UV protection, it is not enough to stop the damaging effects of the sun on the human skin. Simple steps such as avoiding sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm by choosing a shaded location during this time-frame, or covering the body with clothing, including hats and UV-blocking sunglasses, can be more helpful and effective than Sunscreen.
Compared to other forms of cancer that affect internal organs, the skin is one of the few organs that each one of us can readily see and observe. Therefore, routinely examining the condition of the skin, and seeking the expertise of a specialist when alarming or unfamiliar changes appear, are simple and easy measures one can take to prevent skin cancer.
by: alina.morrow
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