JOIN USSkin cancer is the most common form of cancer. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are diagnosed all over the world annually. Melanoma is the most common form of skin cancer caused by the sun’s UV rays.
Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells and often develops on skin
exposed to the sun. It primarily develops on areas of sun-exposed skin, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms and hands, and legs.
Melanoma is the most common form of skin cancer and it can affect people of any skin tone. When it occurs in people with dark skin tones, it is more likely to occur in areas not normally exposed to the sun, such as the palms or soles, or under the fingernails or toenails, under the breasts in women, under arms etc.
Melanoma can develop anywhere on your body in otherwise normal skin or in the form of a mole that becomes cancerous. It often appears on the head or neck of affected men, while in women, this type of cancer most often develops on the lower part of the legs.
Signs of damage
Some of its signs include:
A large brownish spot with darker speckles.
A mole that changes in colour, size or that bleeds.
A small lesion with an irregular border and portions that appear red, white, blue or blue-black.
Dark lesions on the palms, soles, fingertips or toes, or on mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, vagina or anus, under breasts and under arms in women.
Visible sores that don’t get healed within three months.
The people who are at risk from this skin cancer include:
Those who have excessive exposure to UV rays, usually from the sun (but also from tanning lamps and booths).
People who smoke, especially those who have blonde, red or light brown hair, and blue, grey or green eyes.
Those with fair skin or freckles, or whose skin burns easily. People with a family history of skin cancer are also more prone.
Those with weakened immune systems.
People who have had organ transplants and who take immuno-suppressive drugs.
Those who are exposed to ionising radiation or pesticides.
People who have several moles on their bodies, especially since birth, or who have unusual moles.
Things to do
First of all, self-assessment test is very important because you will be the first
person to know about the appearance of such moles or skin tags on your body. Checking your skin for suspicious changes can help detect skin cancer at its earliest stages.
Early detection gives you the greatest chance for successful skin cancer treatment. You can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer by limiting or avoiding exposure to UV radiation.
Studies have shown that there are some things one could do to avoid this predicament altogether:
Avoid sun exposure during between 10 am and 4 pm.
Always wear sunscreen with UVB and UVA exposure protective chemicals and with SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days.
Wear sunglasses treated to absorb
UV radiation. Use a lip balm with an SPF of at least 15 value, and wear tight-weave clothing with long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat.
Have a routine whole body skin check by a healthcare professional once a year.
In case you notice a sore that doesn’t heal or if a mole has a sensation of itchiness or pain, don’t ignore it. Make an appointment with an oncologist or skin specialist if you notice any worrisome changes in your body.
But remember that not all skin changes are caused by cancer. It’s best to get your doctor to investigate your skin to determine the cause. The only thing you have to do is to keep an eye out for any worrisome changes in your own body.
(The author is senior consultant oncologist, CTC, Fortis Hospital)