That abnormal growth you see on your skin. Have you checked it out? You should, don’t you think so?
Let’s dive into skin cancer for a bit.
Skin cancer is the out-of-control growth of abnormal cells in the epidermis, the outermost skin layer, caused by unrepaired DNA damage that triggers mutations. These mutations lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumours.
The main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).
The two main causes of skin cancer are the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and the use of UV tanning machines. The good news is that if skin cancer is caught early, your dermatologist can treat it, leaving little or no scarring with high odds of eliminating it entirely. Often, the doctor may even detect the growth at a precancerous stage, before it has become full-blown skin cancer or penetrated below the surface of the skin.
The majority of skin cancers are caused by unprotected and excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays (UVR) primarily from the sun. Sun exposure prevention is an important issue for public health, other risk factors include fair skin colour, easily burns skin, red or blonde hair, blue or green eyes, freckles, the presence of moles, and family history of cancer.
Let’s discuss skin cancer in skin of colour;
I bet your eyebrows are raised at this point. I have often heard people say that skin cancer doesn’t occur in skin of colour. I think I have had that perception too but thank goodness for the ability to research.
It’s easy to understand why anyone would have this perception. But it is important to note that while all types of skin cancer are less common in black people, their outcomes are dramatically worse because when they occur, they tend to be diagnosed at a later stage and, as a result, have a worse prognosis.
There’s a lower public awareness overall of the risk of skin cancer among individuals of colour. From the perspective of health-care providers, there’s often a lower index of suspicion for skin cancer in patients of colour, because the chances of it actually are smaller. So, these patients may be less likely to get regular, full-body skin exams. Also, the places on the body where skin cancers tend to occur in people of colour are often in less sun-exposed, more out-of-the-way areas, which makes detection more difficult. For example, the most common location for melanoma in patients of colour is the lower extremities — the soles of the feet in particular.
It has been suggested that around 80% of skin cancer cases are preventable with the implementation of Sun protection measures and appropriate behaviours. Social norms, attitudes, and especially the desire to be exposed to the sun, for example, getting a tan are the important reasons for sunscreen. Sun-protection behaviour and attitude should begin at a young age; therefore, it is important to heighten the awareness in adolescents. Individuals, who develop this awareness at a young age are more likely to adopt and sustain a healthy lifestyle until their old age. Children and adolescents are an important target group for skin cancer prevention, developing comprehensive programs including physical, social, and organisational environments that promote UVR protection is imperative. Educating young people about Sun safety is strongly recommended. (cited by NBCI)
UV radiation from the sun isn’t just dangerous, it’s also sneaky. Not only can it cause premature ageing and skin cancer, but it reaches you even when you’re trying to avoid it – penetrating clouds and glass, and bouncing off of snow, water and sand. What’s more, sun damage accumulates over the years, from prolonged outdoor exposure to simple activities like walking the dog, going from your car to the store and fetching the mail.
That’s why preventing skin cancer by protecting yourself completely requires a comprehensive approach.
Did you know that you should wear your sunscreen when indoors and when the sun is down?
Research has shown that the UVA rays which are generally linked to the ageing of skin cells and tend to be the cause of wrinkles, sunspots and other signs of sun damage. So even if you are indoors, you still run the risk of exposure to UVA rays and possible skin damage which eventually leads to skin cancer.
Summer is here! How well are you protecting your skin?
Summer is full of outdoor activities. You probably put sunscreen on yourself and the kids when going out to the pool or beach. But there are other ways to protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun:
- A lightweight long-sleeved shirt or cover-up.
- A hat with a wide brim that shades your face, head, ears, and neck.
- Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
What is in your summer bag?
Apart from your phone, charger, power bank, lipstick etc. there are important items you should make sure to carry along to keep you and your family sun-safe, being your SPF cream. Keep the summer bag handy so you can grab it whenever you head out for summer fun!
Sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and both UVA and UVB (broad spectrum) protection. Apply sunscreen strategically as your clothing can’t do it all. You will still need sunscreen to fill in the gaps. Before you head outside, plan for skin that you know will be exposed and make sure to reapply 2 – 3 hours daily.
Pick the right products: The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that you use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 for everyday use and at least SPF 30 for extended time outside, no matter what season it is.
- Apply a rich facial moisturiser with the SPF you need, to help keep skin soft while protecting it.
- You can layer a SPF foundation over that for extra protection, too.
- You may want to switch to a richer sunscreen formula for your neck, chest, arms and hands.
- Don’t forget your SPF lip balm when you remove your mask!
- Avoid tanning and never use UV tanning beds!
- Examine your skin head to toe every month!
- See a dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam.
While at it, take care of yourself and live your best life! 😊
Blog written by: Adanma Okoro educator at BTI Abuja Campus, Nigeria
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