We won't deny that the sun can have many benefits for both the health and wellness. However, unprotected sun exposure can be quite harmful as in the present and in the long term; so it is of the utmost importance to take care of your skin and the whole family!
Skin cancer
It is without a doubt the most prevalent cancer in the world; and in most cases this problem is caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. This type of radiation is able to penetrate the skin, thus damaging it over time; which is why cancer lesions tend to appear in people who are over 50 years old.
Since sun exposure is the main factor involved in the development of cancerous lesions, it is common that they develop at the body areas that are exposed to UV (UVA and UVB); such as face, neck, back and limbs.
Despite these trends, it is important to be aware of suspect spots that may develop at any body area, by examining the skin throughout life.
Skin cancer is divided into various types, being the basal cell carcinoma, the most common form and also the best prognosis. The squamous cell carcinoma is the second most widespread form of skin cancer, and actinic keratosis corresponds to precancerous lesions.
The melanoma on it's turn is the less common skin cancer type, but also the most dangerous; since it can spread to other areas of the body. It can occur at any age with some frequency.
Skin cancer presents a very high recovery rate when detected early; so it's of the utmost importance to bet on prevention and self-examination.
How can I examine my skin?
To start the self-examination, you must ensure that you have:
- An intense light source;
- Full body mirror and hand mirror, with which you'll be able to check the most hard-to-reach areas;
- Two chairs (preferably) so that you feel more comfortable while inspecting certain body areas, and also to support the lower limbs;
- Blowdryer, to keep your hair from certain zones;
- Body maps or camera, to record the evolution of suspicious spots.
If you have difficulties in viewing your spots, you can ask for help of someone close.
To identify important spots, you should use the ABCDE Guide :
- To examine the face, take special attention to areas such as the nose, lips, mouth, and ears; which should be check on the front and on the back with both mirrors;
- The blowdryer will help to carry out your scalp examination, allowing to expose the areas that are covered by the hair as you're performing the examination;
- After your head, start examining both your hands, checking their palms and back, as well as the space between your fingers and under your fingernails. Then look at the front and back of your forearms;
- In front of the big mirror, check the space that goes from the elbows to the shoulders, examining both sides of the arms;
- Look at the neck and chest, and if you're a woman be careful observing the skin underneath the breasts;
- Put yourself on th back towards the full-length mirror, and use the hand mirror to examine the back of the neck, shoulders, upper back and the back of the arms.
- Then pass to the lower back area, examining the buttocks and the back of both legs.
- Finally, sit down on a chair and place one leg at a time on the second seat. With the hand mirror, examine your genitals. Then notice the front and sides of both legs from thigh to the shin, without forgetting the ankle, the top of the feet, the space between your toes and under your toenails. In the end, examine the soles of the feet and the heels.
If you find any suspect spot, check a dermatologist.
Prevention
An effective prevention can significantly reduce the likelihood of suffering skin cancer; and so it makes perfect sense to implement it ASAP!
For that, you can take very simple protective measures:
- Apply sunscreen regularly, renewing the application every 2h when there is direct exposure;
- Avoid direct sun exposure between the 11h an 15h during summer (when the UV solar radiation reaches it's peak);
- Use clothing that provides sun protection;
- Seek the shade during periods of greater exposure;
It is important to pay special attention to individuals with blue eyes, blond or red hair and fair skin; who develop sunburn easily and who hardly tan, as they have a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Children should also be protected carefully, since the over-exposure to the sun during childhood increases the risk of developing skin cancer.
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