We all love the sun, right? It's nice to feel a little warm and get some vitamin D. But there's something in this sunlight that we can't see with our eyes, but can have a small effect on our skin. That's ultraviolet rays, or as we say in English (Ultraviolet Radiation) , or UV rays for short. If we know about these properly, we can avoid big problems like skin cancer.
What is UV radiation?
Simply put, ultraviolet rays are a type of energy that comes from the sun. They are invisible to our eyes because their wavelength is shorter than the light we see. These UV rays reach the earth and help our bodies make vitamin D. They are essential for our survival. However, the problem starts when we get too much UV rays. This increases the risk of skin cancer . These UV rays come not only from sunlight, but also from some things that people make, such as tanning beds .
There are three types of UV rays! What are they?
These UV rays are divided into three main types based on their wavelength:
- UVA rays: These are what cause our skin to wrinkle, tan, and sometimes burn. Long-term exposure to these rays can cause skin cancer.
- UVB rays: These can damage the top layers of our skin. This can cause sun spots, brown spots, sunburns , and blistering . These can also lead to skin cancer.
- UVC rays: These do not reach the earth. They are absorbed by the earth's atmosphere. Therefore, we only experience UVA and UVB rays on earth.
What happens to our skin when exposed to the sun?
When we go out in the sun, our skin changes, right? Some people think that a little bit of brown skin, or tan, makes us look beautiful and healthy. But in reality, the discoloration caused by the sun can accelerate the signs of aging and increase the risk of developing things like:
- Skin cancer
- Wrinkles
- Freckles
- Liver spots - These are not actually spots caused by the liver, but rather a type of spot caused by sunburn.
Over time, exposure to the sun's UV rays damages the fibers in our skin called elastin . Think of it this way, elastin is like a rubber band that helps the skin stretch and bounce back. When these fibers break, the skin starts to sag, stretch, and is less able to bounce back after being stretched. Your skin can bruise and tear easily, and it takes longer for wounds to heal. So, while the damage from the sun to your skin may not be as noticeable when you're young, it becomes more noticeable as you age.
Skin changes associated with sun exposure include:
- Precancerous lesions (e.g., actinic keratosis ) and cancerous skin lesions (these are caused by a weakened immune system in the skin).
- Tumors .
- Changes in skin color, patchy discoloration, or yellowing of the skin.
- Dilation of small blood vessels ( telangiectasias ).
- Wrinkles ( elastosis ) due to damage to elastic tissue.
- Eye damage, for example cataracts or macular degeneration .
- Premature aging .
How does this ultraviolet radiation lead to cancer?
Too much exposure to UV rays is the main cause of skin cancer. Our bodies need some UV rays to make vitamin D, but too much can damage our cells. Inside our cells is something called DNA . Simply put, DNA is like a blueprint that tells our cells how to grow and how to function. When we get too much UV rays, this DNA is damaged, and the cells can’t do their job properly. As a result, cells start to divide and multiply too quickly. These cells then clump together to form tumors . These tumors can become cancerous.
Ultraviolet rays from the sun are the main cause of skin cancer. But UV rays from tanning beds are also harmful. Sun exposure in winter is just as dangerous as in summer.
Long-term exposure to the sun can lead to skin cancers called basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell skin cancer . However, severe blistering sunburns, usually before the age of 18, can lead to melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer, later in life.
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of skin cells. While healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly manner, cancer cells grow and divide very quickly and irregularly. The lumps that result from this abnormal growth can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant ( cancerous). There are three main types of skin cancer:
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Melanoma
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are less serious types of skin cancer. These two types account for 95% of all skin cancers. They are also known as nonmelanoma skin cancers . This means that if they are detected and treated early, they are more likely to be cured.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops when melanocytes , the cells that give skin its color, behave abnormally. This is the most serious type of skin cancer. It accounts for 75% of skin cancer deaths. If left untreated, melanoma can spread to other parts of the body and become difficult to control.
Who is at higher risk of developing skin cancer due to UV rays?
Anyone can develop skin cancer from UV rays, but the following people are at higher risk:
- Fair skin
- People with freckles
- People who burn easily in the sun
- People with light-colored eyes
- People with blonde or red hair
People with dark skin can also develop skin cancer, but their risk is lower than that of people with fair skin.
In addition to your skin color, these things are also risk factors:
- If you or someone in your family has had skin cancer before.
- If you work outdoors or spend a lot of time in the sun.
- If you live in a sunny area.
- If you have been severely sunburned before.
- If you have large, irregularly shaped birthmarks.
What are the symptoms of skin cancer?
The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change in your skin . These changes can usually be a new mole , a new skin lesion , or a change in an existing mole.
- Basal cell carcinoma: This can appear as a small, smooth, pearly or waxy lump on the face and neck, or as a flat, pink/red or brown lesion.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: This can appear as a hard, red lump or as a rough, scaly, flat lesion. This lesion may itch, bleed, and crust over.
- Melanoma: This usually appears as a colored spot or lump. Although it may look like a normal birthmark, it often has an irregular appearance.
Where can you see the symptoms of skin cancer?
Common symptoms of skin cancer caused by UV rays
- Hands
- Legs
- Chest and back
- Face
- Neck
What are the signs of melanoma? How to recognize it?
When looking for signs of melanoma, remember the English alphabet. The five letters ABCDE tell you what signs to look out for in your skin moles or lesions.
- A - Asymmetry: The shape of one side of the birthmark does not match the other side. It does not look the same if you cut it in half.
- B - Border: The edge appears irregular, rough, and blurred.
- C - Color: Not a single color. There can be more than one color, such as brown, black, light brown, red, white, or blue.
- D - Diameter: A large difference in size (greater than 6 millimeters - that is, greater than the diameter of a pencil eraser).
- E - Evolution: Changes in the appearance or feel of the birthmark or lesion (such as itching, bleeding).
If you notice any of these ABCDE signs on your mole, see a doctor immediately. Early detection is much easier to treat.
Does skin cancer spread?
Nonmelanoma cancers, like basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, are less likely to spread. However, melanoma can spread quickly throughout the body. If you have skin changes or skin cancer, you need to get treatment right away to prevent it from spreading to other parts of your body.
How do we prevent UV exposure and skin cancer?
While it is not possible to completely prevent skin cancer or completely reverse previous sun damage, there are many things we can do to reduce our risk:
- Apply a sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher 30 minutes before going out in the sun. Then reapply every two to three hours. Reapply even more if you're going to be in the water or sweating a lot.
- Wear sunglasses with full UV protection.
- Choose beauty products that provide UV protection.
- Avoid direct sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm (this is when UV rays are strongest) as much as possible.
- Regularly perform skin self-exams . This will help you become familiar with your existing blemishes and quickly identify any changes or new blemishes.
Is there a way for our skin to naturally protect itself from carcinogenic UV rays?
Yes, the outermost layer of our skin ( the epidermis ) has a layer called the stratum corneum . This is the body's natural barrier that protects us from carcinogenic ultraviolet rays. However, if we are exposed to too much sun, this natural protection can break down. This can lead to skin cancer. So, even with this barrier, we still need to take steps to protect our skin from UV rays.
If you have dark skin, melanin (which is the substance that gives your hair, eyes, and skin their color) helps protect your skin from UV rays. Don't forget that even if you have an extra layer of protection, you can still get skin cancer.
Let's understand the UV Index.
You've probably seen the UV index in weather reports. These numbers tell us how much damage the average person can do if they're exposed to the sun without protection. Some people may think that if the index is low, there's no need to do anything. However, there's always a risk of sun exposure to unprotected skin. Some people also think that it's okay to stay in the sun on cloudy days, but that's also wrong.
- Low, 0-2: At this level, experts recommend wearing sunglasses if the sun is strong. If your skin burns easily, apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing.
- Moderate, 3-5: At this level, cover up and wear sunscreen. Avoid direct sunlight during the middle of the day (at midday). Stay in the shade.
- High, 6-7: At this level, you should do everything you can to protect yourself from sun damage (protective clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen). Limit your time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Very high, 8-10: At this level, you need to be very careful. Use clothing, hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Avoid going out in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. At this level, your skin can burn quickly.
- Extreme, 11+: At this level, use all possible precautions. Even a few minutes in the sun can burn your skin. Avoid going out between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wear protective clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. At all levels, remember that snow, sand, and water reflect the sun's rays, increasing UV exposure.
What can you expect if you get UV damage?
Prolonged or excessive exposure to UV rays can cause premature aging and skin cancer . The sun's UV rays damage the DNA inside our skin cells and disrupt their function. You can reduce your risk of skin cancer by wearing protective clothing when you go outside and reapplying sunscreen throughout the day. You can also protect your skin and eyes from UV rays by wearing protective gear, such as sunglasses. There are treatments for all types of skin cancer, but early detection and treatment are the best ways to get the most out of your treatment.
Is there a cure for skin cancer?
The cure for most skin cancers is early detection and treatment to remove the cancer from the body. Early diagnosis, especially in melanoma, targets the cancer before it spreads to other parts of the body. About 90% of people diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma make a full recovery after treatment to remove the cancer.
When should I see a doctor?
If you notice any suspicious or worrying changes in your skin, see a doctor immediately. It's also important to check your skin regularly to make sure it's normal and that there are no new spots or changes.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
You can ask questions like these:
- What are the long-term effects of sun exposure?
- What type of skin cancer do I have?
- What caused my skin cancer?
- How can I protect myself from the sun's UV rays?
Take-Home Message
Although UV rays are essential for our vitamin D production, too much exposure can be harmful. By wearing sunscreen when you go outside and staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (during peak hours), you can take care of your skin and protect yourself from skin cancer caused by UV rays. It is said that 80% of a person's lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 18. Therefore, following these preventive measures when you go out can be a good example for your family to adopt and practice skin cancer prevention habits. Remember, if you notice any changes to your skin, see a doctor without delay!
` Ultraviolet rays, skin cancer, sun protection, sunscreen, melanoma, skin health, UV rays
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