SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
May has been designated as "Skin Cancer Awareness Month". With the events organized throughout this month, the importance of early diagnosis and raising awareness about skin cancer, especially before the increased sun exposure in the summer months, is emphasized.
Our skin is our largest organ that separates and protects our body from the external environment. Thanks to this feature, it takes on the task of protecting the body against harmful environmental factors. Skin cancer occurs as a result of abnormal proliferation of cells in the skin. Not every skin change means cancer; however, it is recommended to consult a doctor immediately if a suspicious change is noticed.
The most important environmental factor that increases the risk of skin cancer is sun rays. Ultraviolet (UV) rays in particular can damage skin cells and lead to the development of cancer. Being unprotected between 10:00 and 16:00, when the sun is at its most intense, seriously increases the risk. In addition, environmental pollution and skin contact with harmful chemicals are other factors that increase the risk. Studies have shown that there is a relationship between air pollution and skin cancer. Air pollution damages skin cells, creating oxidative stress, which can lead to cancer. Climate and geographic conditions can also affect the risk.
Other factors that increase the risk of developing skin cancer include:
• Intense and prolonged sun exposure
• Exposure to artificial UV rays, such as tanning beds
• Working outdoors for long periods of time
• Severe sunburns, especially during childhood
• A family history of skin cancer
• Fair-skinned, easily freckled, and sunburned skin
• Use of medications that suppress the immune system
Although skin cancer is usually seen in areas exposed to the sun, it can also occur in areas not exposed to the sun. The earlier it is diagnosed and treated, the greater the chance of preventing negative outcomes such as serious deformities or death. Therefore, it is important to have regular skin checks and consult your doctor about the level of risk.
Skin cancers are generally divided into two main groups:
1. Non-melanoma skin cancers: They start in the upper layers of the skin and are usually associated with sun exposure.
2. Melanoma: It occurs due to the uncontrolled growth of melanocyte cells that give color to the skin. Although rare, it spreads rapidly and has a high mortality rate. Therefore, early diagnosis of melanoma is of vital importance.
Early diagnosis and treatment of melanoma offers the patient a chance for full recovery. However, delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to rapid spread of cancer and loss of life. Therefore, it is of great importance for the individual to examine himself/herself at regular intervals and to consult a doctor without delay when he/she notices new and suspicious formations.
The incidence rate of non-melanoma skin cancers in our country is 23.4 per hundred thousand in men and 15.5 per hundred thousand in women. Approximately 20,000 people are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer every year. The frequency of melanoma is 1.9 per hundred thousand in men and 1.2 per hundred thousand in women, and the annual number of melanoma cases is approximately 1,500.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that melanoma has become a major public health problem, especially in societies where fair-skinned individuals are exposed to intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and calls on countries to take urgent measures in this area.
Although there is no definitive way to completely prevent skin cancers, individuals can reduce their risk by adopting certain protective measures.
Recommendations for Protecting Yourself from Skin Cancer:
• Apply safe sun protection methods when outdoors.
• Choose protective clothing (shirt, hat).
• Use broad-spectrum, high-protection factor sunscreen.
• Protect your eyes and the area around your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses.
• Stay away from harmful chemicals.
• Check your skin regularly and learn what is "normal."
Although there is no clear guide for the early diagnosis of skin cancer, it is very important for a person to know their own skin. For this purpose, it is useful to follow the appearance of moles, spots, freckles and other marks over time. Self-examination of the skin once a month allows for early detection of changes.
How to Perform a Self-Skin Examination?
• Perform the examination in a well-lit room, in front of a full-length mirror.
• Use a hand mirror for hard-to-see areas such as the back of the thighs.
• Examine all areas such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, scalp, ears, nails and back.
• You can get help from relatives for difficult areas such as the back and scalp.
Symptoms to Watch Out for:
• Newly formed moles or spots that have changed in size, shape or color
• Unusual wounds, bumps, marks or changes in the feel of the skin
• Redness, swelling, flaking, irregularity, fluid leakage, bleeding
• Symptoms such as itching, tenderness or pain
Such changes may be signs of skin cancer. Therefore, see a health consulting a professional can be life-saving. Remember: “Early Diagnosis Saves Lives”
“Know Your Skin, Protect Your Health!”
“Discover Early, Protect Your Health!”