European Skin Cancer Prevention Day

13 June is European Skin Cancer Prevention Day, which aims to raise awareness of the risks of excessive sun exposure and the importance of early detection of dangerous skin changes.

Skin cancer - Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers that develops in the epidermis, the top layer of the skin. Half of all tumours detected worldwide are skin cancers. This disease is one of the most curable types of cancer. If diagnosed in time, 95% of cases can be cured.

The main types of skin cancer

1. Basalioma - The most common form. It grows slowly and rarely metastasises. Typical sites of basal cell carcinoma are the head and face: the back and wings of the nose, eyelids, temples, and ears.
2. Squamous cell carcinoma - A more aggressive form of cancer. It occurs on exposed areas of the body: cheeks, shoulders, hands.
3. Melanoma - The most dangerous form. It is distinguished from the previous ones by its rapid growth, aggressive course and tendency to metastasise even in cases where the melanoma (primary tumour) itself is still small.

Risk factors:

• a tan obtained in the active sun or in a solarium without the use of sunscreen;
• sunburns with blistering (especially those received in childhood);
• chronic inflammatory processes of the skin, which change its structure and create favourable conditions for regeneration;
• a large number of dysplastic nevi (flat or slightly raised moles with uneven edges, coloured brown or black);
• regular trauma to the skin, moles and birthmarks (combing, shaving, clothing, jewellery, irritants in the process of self-treatment);
• immunodeficiency states of the body (against the background of infectious diseases, chronic diseases, diabetes mellitus).

How to protect yourself?

• Do not stay in the open sun for a long time. Limit sunbathing to 15 minutes a day.
• Avoid the sun from 11:00 to 16:00. At this time, it is most aggressive.
• Wear hats, glasses and light-coloured clothing.
• Use a sunscreen with a protection factor of SPF 50+ or higher (such products should be applied to the face and body every 3-4 hours).
• Be especially careful to protect areas of skin that have been burned in the past from sunlight.
• Examine moles, and if you notice a change in colour, shape or size, consult a dermatologist.
• Once a year, undergo a preventive examination by a specialist, especially if you have a hereditary predisposition.

Remember.  Skin cancer is a preventable disease. It is enough to know the safety rules and regularly check the condition of your skin. Take care of yourself and those you love!

– https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20377605;

– https://bogomoletsclinic.ua/blog/rak-shkiry-ta-yoho-ranni-oznaky;

– https://www.iarc.who.int/cancer-type/skin-cancer/