Behold! for May Heralds the Advent of Skin Cancer Awareness Month
2024-04-05| BLOG
Do You Know that Skin Cancer is America’s most common Cancer affecting around 5 million people each year But on the contrary how many people do actually know about it? As per statistics in India only there are 2638 registered cancer patients out of which almost 84 patients were diagnosed with skin cancer. It's one of the most diagnosed cancers also. With the age of the patients ranging from 27 to 92 years. It was also found out that in India Most of the patients, about 90%, came from rural areas in Punjab.
Also, 92% of them worked in farming and spent a lot of time under the sun. And also as per a recent study on the state of Bihar in India, 1 in 23 males and 1 in 21 females are at risk of developing cancer. When we talk about the state of Bihar, the Quality of hospitals and the research for the treatment of cancer have seen a straight progress since the inception of the best cancer hospital in Patna i.e Narayana Cancer Centre. So,can we say that Spreading awareness towards Skin Cancer month is the need of the hour. But before we go there we need to have a look at the causes and types of skin cancer.
CAUSES AND TYPES OF SKIN CANCER
Skin cancer starts in the top layer of your skin, called the epidermis. This layer is like a thin protective blanket made of skin cells that your body sheds regularly.
Also, when we talk about skin cancer it can be assumed that there can be various causes for skin cancer and to identify the particular reason can be next to impossible. But no, let me tell you as per studies, it is found that one of the main causes of skin cancer is accumulated ultraviolet radiation exposure throughout one's lifetime.
Apart from UV light exposure, be it from the sun or artificial sources like tanning lamps, other factors contribute to the risk of skin cancer when conversing about it are:
- If skin cancer runs in your family, you're more likely to get it too.
- Multiple nevi (moles) or atypical moles
- Exposure to coal and arsenic compounds
- Elevation. Ultraviolet light is stronger as elevation increases (because the thinner atmosphere at higher altitudes cannot filter UV as effectively as it does at sea level).
- In terms of location or latitude, the closer you are to the equator, the stronger the sun's rays tend to be.
- Repeated exposure to X-rays
- Scars from disease and burns
- Immune suppression, like in individuals who've undergone organ transplants, can heighten the risk of skin cancer.
- Male gender
- Older age
- Prior history of skin cancer
- Specific uncommon inherited disorders, like basal cell nevus syndrome (also known as Gorlin syndrome) or xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), can also increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer.
- Indulging in smoking amplifies the likelihood of squamous cell cancer, particularly affecting the lips.
Coming towards knowing about the types of skin cancer, there are various types recognized, such as :
As per studies, Non-melanoma skin cancer is very common in the United states whereas in India the most common histological type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma.
We can also have a look on some other types of skin cancer like,
Management and Treatment
The treatment course hinges on the cancer's stage. In instances where the cancer is small and confined to the skin's surface, a biopsy alone might suffice to remove all cancerous tissue. Alternatively, various treatments, either standalone or in conjunction, are employed for skin cancer:
Shielding yourself from excessive sunlight and avoiding sunburns stands as the most effective preventive measure. The sun's UV rays can harm your skin, potentially leading to skin cancer over time. In Bihar, you can find the Best Doctors For Skin Cancer Screening Treatment In Patna.
Skin cancer doesn't discriminate; it can affect anyone. What might seem like a harmless blemish could be more serious. Conducting routine self-examinations of your skin is crucial for everyone, especially if you're at a higher risk of skin cancer.
Your skin, being the body's largest organ, warrants the same care as any other health aspect. Dedicate time each month to inspect your skin for any changes in spots or the emergence of new growths. Additionally, take precautions to shield your skin from the sun. Remember to schedule regular skin assessments with your dermatologist to stay vigilant.
OUR SKIN IS EVERYTHING WE’VE GOT! WHY TO IGNORE OUR EASIEST WAY OF FLAUNTING BEAUTY!!
FAQ’S
What are the 7 warning signs of skin cancer?
- New or changing spots which are not brown in colour.
- Changes in skin in some odd places in your body.
- A lesion that bleeds non-stop.
- A lesion that is very painful.
- A lesion that itches.
- A spot in your body with a crater-like appearance.
- A spot that is rapidly growing.
What is the ABCD rule of skin cancer?
The ABCD rule of skin cancer is one of the easiest ways to remember the common characteristics of Melanoma(The type of skin cancer that is the most dangerous of all). So ABCD stands for asymmetry, border, colour, diameter and evolving. These are the main things about skin cancer that a doctor looks for when diagnosing and treating melanomas.
- Asymmetry: Check if one half of a mole or spot looks different from the other half.
- Border: Look for irregular or blurred edges.
- Colour:Notice if there are multiple colours or shades.
- Diameter:Pay attention if the spot is larger than a pencil eraser (6mm).
- Evolution:Keep track of any changes in size, shape, or colour over time.
We suggest regularly checking your skin at home for any changes. If you notice any of these signs or have a suspicious spot, make an appointment with your doctor. It’s also a good idea to have yearly skin checks with a dermatologist to catch any potential skin cancer early.
Remember, most skin issues aren’t cancerous, but it’s important to get them checked to be sure. Early detection can lead to successful treatment for most skin cancers, including melanoma.
