With more than 5 million cases diagnosed in the United States every year, skin cancer is the most common in the country. Fortunately, it is also one of the most preventable cancers.
The “month of awareness of melanoma and skin cancer” (in May) is a key time to focus on education and prevention initiatives related to this type of disease. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about risk factors, warning signals, prevention methods and early detection, with the aim of saving lives.
According to the New York State Health Department (Nysdoh – New York State Health Department) skin cancer is a type of cancer that originates in skin cells. It develops more frequently in the skin exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UV) of the sun, but may appear anywhere in the body. There are 3 types of skin cancer: basal, squamous and melanoma.
– Basal cell skin cancer generally grows slowly and is unlikely to spread to other parts of the body.
– Squamous cell skin cancer tends to be somewhat more aggressive than basal cell skin cancer, but is less dangerous than melanoma.
– Skin melanomas are considered the most dangerous because they are more likely to spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma is the most deadly skin cancer. Because melanoma tends to spread rapidly to other organs, it causes most deaths, despite representing the least number of cases.
Melanoma is the ninth type of cancer in both men and women in the state of New York. More than 4000 local residents are diagnosed with melanoma annually. Every year, almost 500 New Yorkers die from melanoma. In adults from 20 to 34 years, melanoma is among the 4 most common types of cancer.
However, many skin cancers can be prevented by reducing exposure to UV rays. It is estimated that up to 90 % of melanomas are caused by exposure to these rays.
What causes skin cancer?
Most cases of melanoma, the most deadly skin cancer type, are due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV rays). These rays can come from natural sunlight, as well as interior tan devices, such as solar beds, tan cabins and solar lamps.
The risk of melanoma increases with age, but also occurs in younger people. In fact, it is one of the most common cancers in people under 30 years (especially in young women).
Nysdoh indicates that some people are more likely than others to develop skin cancer. Risk factors vary according to the type of skin cancer, but some general risks include:
– Have a clearer natural skin color.
– Have family history of skin cancer. Personal history of skin cancer.
– Sun exposure through work and leisure.
– Background of solar burns, especially in childhood.
– Background of artificial tan.
– Skin that burns, presents freckles, is easily reddened or painful in the sun.
– Blue or green eyes.
– Blond or red -haired hair.
– Certain types and a large number of moles.
It should be noted that burned or tan skin is damaged skin. The damage accumulates with every solar or tan burn and, in the future, could lead to skin cancer. Even if a solar or tan burn disappears, the damage caused does not, and its effects are irreversible.
How to prevent skin cancer?
The best way to reduce the risk of skin cancer is to avoid exposure to UV radiation, either from an artificial or natural brightness device. Ultraviolet radiation is a concern throughout the year, regardless of the weather. The clouds do not protect against UV rays, and these are reflected in the sand, water and snow.
There are many ways to reduce exposure to UV radiation. The New York State Health Department (Nysdoh) urges to follow these simple steps:
– Never wear beds, cabins or solar lamps.
– Use a wide -winged hat, long -sleeved shirts and long pants whenever possible.
– Use sunglasses that block both types of UV rays (UVA and UVB). The sunglasses will protect the delicate skin of the eye contour and reduce the risk of cataracts.
– Use a solar protector labeled as “wide spectrum” with a sun protection factor (FPS) of 15 or higher. FPS 15 blocks 93 % of UV rays, while FPS 30 blocks 97 %.
– Apply sunscreen on dry skin 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors and again after swimming or sweating.
– It is considered that 28 ml (1 ounce) of sunscreen, is the amount necessary to completely cover the exposed areas of the body.
– Avoid the sun directly at noon, between 10 am and 4 pm, when the solar rays are stronger.
– Follow these tips also on cloudy days. The clouds do not block most UV rays.
