Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers. One of the risk factors for its occurrence is solar radiation, from which you need to protect yourself. Doctors recommend gentle sun protection: shade, skin-covering clothing, use of sunscreen with a wide spectrum of protection. What else you need to know about the disease - told dermatologist Ekaterina Bakiko.
“Skin cancer begins with the transformation of healthy cells into cancerous ones. In the occurrence of cancer, genetics (the presence of a disease in the family), skin color (the lighter, the greater the tendency), a large number of moles, the presence of sunburn during life, in particular in childhood, active sun exposure, certain drugs and skin diseases are important. Influence on the development of cancer is exerted not only by sunburn, but also by constant solar exposure, even in small quantities. Sunbathing in the solarium does not prevent the formation of sunburn - a factor that significantly increases the risk of skin cancer. Tanning in a solarium is carcinogenic, that is, leading to skin cancer.“.
Read also: Rules for a healthy tan: the Ministry of Health said that it is absolutely impossible to do
Do moles need to be removed prophylactically?
No, skin cancer in 70% of cases appears on the skin immediately, and in 30% - from old moles, so you should carefully examine the entire skin, paying attention to new moles and those that have begun to change. Prophylactic removal of moles for such purposes does not reduce the rate of cancer formation. Traumatization of a mole does not lead to its degeneration into cancer. If you have injured a mole, treat it as you would in the morning, wash it with soap and water, and see a doctor to make sure you have injured the mole and not something else.
How to protect children?
More than 5 sunburns in childhood increase the risk of skin cancer by 60%. Therefore, children should be especially protected, their skin is prone to more rapid burning. Choose children’s forms of sunscreen, they are allowed from 6 months, also do not forget about clothing and shade.
What are the signs of skin cancer and how to suspect it?
Pay attention to the asymmetry at the edges, the color of the formation, bleeding and itching, the diameter is more than 5 mm, and the time during which the changes occurred - the shorter it is, the more reason to be wary.
What to do to avoid skin cancer?
Examine your skin monthly, periodically go to the doctor for a preventive examination, protect yourself from the sun. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact your doctor.
Earlier, FACTS published a refutation of medical myths by doctor Ekaterina Bakiko. For example, does laser hair removal cause cancer?
Source: Fakty
