The Unspoken Dangers of Skin Cancer

The Anderson Cancer Center (2019) states, “more than two million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer yearly”. This disease is preventable and precautionary measures are drowned out by those who think exposure to the Sun is not a big deal, misinformation, and lack of discussion about this topic in communities. Skin cancer is life endangering as it could potentially affect other bodily systems, leading to lifelong consequences and potential death.

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells on the skin, usually on sun-exposed areas such as the face, lips, neck, chest, arms, hands, and legs. Although, there are cases of growths on typically non-sun-exposed areas. Skin cancer affects people of all skin tones. The most common types of skin cancer are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Their signs vary, but do involve mysterious lesions, bumps, and patches on the skin.

It is vital for people to begin the habit of skin protection young, as it is a tool you will need throughout life. These prevention methods will aid in lowering your risk of skin cancer. Seeking shade between the hours when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) will prevent long term sun exposure. Regularly applying and reapplying sunscreen, that is a minimum of SPF 30, according to the label or every two hours will also help protect your skin for the long term. There are many misconceptions that misinform people to not worry about the potential dangers of skin cancer because it is a frequently overlooked disease.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

1. Only sun exposure causes skin cancer.

There are many other factors that cause skin cancer besides sun exposure. Genetic history is a major risk factor, if anyone in your family has had skin cancer before or it runs in your family. Constant use of tanning beds is another risk factor, as they emit the same or even stronger UV radiation exposure than the Sun. Increasing age combined with a weakening immune system will increase your risk of skin cancer as well.

1. Only elderly people get skin cancer.

According to the Anderson Cancer Center (2019), melanoma, the most common type of skin cancer, is mainly found in teenagers and young adults, 15 to 29 years old. Build-up of high sun exposure from an early age is a common cause for early cases of skin cancer.

1. You don’t need to wear sunscreen on non-sunny days.

UV rays are present year round and can peak through clouds making it necessary to apply sunscreen year round.

1. Skin cancer only happens to those with light skin.

Those with lighter skin are at a higher risk of getting skin cancer, but darker skin people are still able to get it. Death rates are higher in those with darker skin because when diagnosed it is often too late since it goes unnoticed for so long.

1. The higher the SPF in sunscreen, the better.

Choose a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 as it provides 97% absorption of UV rays. SPF 50 provides 98% protection and SPF 100 absorbs 98%. It is more important to apply sunscreen than worry about the SPF type, as most people do not apply it in the first place.

Conclusion

Spreading awareness on the importance of skin cancer prevention through social media and word of mouth to build prevention habits from a young age is important. Skin cancer is not acknowledged for its severity and lifelong effects that could potentially be fatal. Starting from applying sunscreen as a basic habit and avoiding long durations in the sunlight are easy prevention methods anyone can do on a regular basis to help avoid a skin cancer diagnosis.

Sources

• https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/10-skin-cancer-myths-debunked.h14-1592991.html

• https://www.texasoncology.com/cancer-blood-disorders/cancer-facts/skin-cancer-myths-and-facts

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20377605#:~:text=Skin%20cancer%20%E2%80%94%20the%20abnormal%20growth,squamous%20cell%20carcinoma%20and%20melanoma.