There are several risk factors that can cause skin cancer. Some of these factors such as age or even a family history of cancer cannot be controlled. However, there are other factors that we can control, such as exposure to certain chemicals, smoking or exposure to ultraviolet light..
White people have a higher risk of skin cancer compared to black people. This occurs because melanin has a protective effect on people with darker skin..
The chance of getting skin cancer increases over time. This may be due to the number of hours of sunshine a person accumulates over time. However, in recent times, the fashion for being tanned is causing skin cancers to be detected at increasingly younger ages.
When a person receives radiotherapy treatment, the chances of developing skin cancer are increased.
Both sunlight and tanning beds are two powerful sources of ultraviolet light. This type of light is characterized by damaging the DNA of skin cells.
When a scar or burn occurs, the skin in the affected area is more likely to cause cancer. However, it is necessary to point out that it is not a high risk.
Ultraviolet light, which is frequently used to treat this condition, increases the risk of skin cancer.
When a person has a weakened immune system, the chances of developing some type of skin cancer are increased.
Smokers are at higher risk of skin cancer, mainly in the lip area.
In addition to taking these risk factors into account, it is important to monitor possible symptoms of skin cancer in order to anticipate this disease if it occurs..
Depending on the type of cancer, we can find a series of differentiated symptoms.
In this sense, when carcinoma occurs in basal cells It usually occurs in areas exposed to the sun such as the neck or face. Waxy or pearly bumps may appear, or areas with a flat, brown scar-like lesion. It is also common for a bleeding scab to appear that reappears even if it heals.
In the squamous cell carcinoma, In addition to the face, the condition can also appear in the ears and hands. It usually appears as a firm, red nodule or as a flattened lesion with a scaly, crusty surface..
Regarding the melanoma, It can appear anywhere on the body, being more frequent on the face and trunk of men and on the lower extremities of women. It can occur in both sexes and in any type of skin, even in areas that have not been exposed to the sun.
The main signs of melanoma include:
If you notice any of these suspicious symptoms or signs, it is advisable to go to one of GenesisCare's specialized centers to get a check-up or start a skin cancer treatment..
You should not be scared by any small sign since not all skin changes are the result of skin cancer. However, it will be necessary for a specialized doctor to investigate your case to establish a clear cause..
In addition to taking into account the risk factors previously mentioned, there are a series of preventive measures that can help us minimize the chances of suffering from skin cancer.
Avoid being in the sun in the central hours of the day: Between 12 and 4 in the afternoon is when the sun's rays are most damaging.
Check the ultraviolet and infrared indices: It is a type of information that can be consulted through the State Meteorological Agency. With this information you can avoid planning outdoor activities on days with higher values.
Use sun protection with high graduation: Choose at least factor 30 protectors
Wear suitable clothing to protect your body: Dark colors and tight clothing protect better than loose white colors.
Avoid tanning beds: They are widely discouraged by doctors and dermatologists.
Perform a self-examination of your body: At least once a month carry out a thorough examination of your body with the help of a mirror to detect any possible suspicious skin changes.
Visit a dermatologist regularly: Especially if you have any of the risk factors previously mentioned.
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