Sun and Skin Cancer: What You Need to Know

We all love the sun, don't we? It's nice to feel a little warm and get some vitamin D. But is our relationship with the sun always a good one? In fact, the main reason our skin looks older, wrinkles appear, and spots appear is because of this uncontrolled exposure to the sun. Imagine, the skin of a 40-year-old who protects his skin from the sun can look as young as the skin of a 30-year-old.

How does sunlight damage our skin?

We think that skin changes as we age. But in fact, most of those changes are caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. When we are exposed to these UV rays for a long time, the type of fiber in our skin called elastin is damaged. These are the main factors that keep the skin elastic and youthful. As these fibers break down, the skin begins to sag and stretch. The skin also bruises more easily, scratches more easily, and takes longer to heal.

See the table below for information on the damage that sun exposure can cause to the skin.

What is skin cancer? What are its causes?

Simply put, skin cancer is the abnormal, uncontrolled growth of skin cells. This growth of cells leads to the formation of tumors. Some of these can be benign, meaning they are not cancerous. But some can be malignant, meaning they are cancerous.

There are three main types of skin cancer:

1. Basal cell carcinoma

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma

3. Melanoma

Of these, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are the most common. These are usually not very serious and can be completely cured if detected and treated early.

However, melanoma is the most dangerous and severe of these. This cancer develops in the cells called melanocytes, which give color to the skin. If not treated properly, it can spread to other parts of the body and even be life-threatening.

The number one cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. The UV rays from tanning beds, where you pay to get a tan, are just as harmful.

Who is at higher risk of developing skin cancer?

Although anyone can develop skin cancer , some people are at higher risk.

• For those with skin that burns easily, pale or has blemishes .
• For those with light-colored eyes and red or blonde hair .
• If you or someone in your family has had skin cancer before.
• For those who work in the sun (e.g. farmers, fishermen, construction workers).
• If you have had severe sunburns as a child , it increases your risk of melanoma cancer .
• For those with more than 30 large or irregularly shaped spots on the body .

How can we take care of our skin? Check out these features.

The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change in the skin. It could be a new mole, a growth, or a change in an existing mole.

• Basal Cell Carcinoma: It may appear as a small, smooth, pearl-like or waxy bump on the face, ears, or neck.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: May appear as a red, hard lump or a rough, scaly, flat spot that bleeds.
• Melanoma: Usually appears as a colored (brown, black) spot or nodule, but can sometimes be red or white.

A simple way to help identify melanoma is the ABCDE rule . If you have any doubts about a mole on your skin, check these points.

If you notice any of these changes in your skin, please don't ignore it. See your doctor as soon as possible.

Skin cancer detection and treatment

The only way to know for sure if you have skin cancer is to have a biopsy. This is very simple. The doctor will numb the suspicious area of ​​your skin, take a very small piece of tissue from there, and send it to the lab. It is then examined to determine whether it is cancer or not.

Treatment methods are determined by the type, size, location of the cancer, and the patient's wishes.

• For non-melanoma cancers: Treatments such as primary excision, curettage and electrosurgery, cryosurgery, and topical chemotherapy are used.
• For melanoma: Wide surgical excision, removal of the cancer and a margin of healthy tissue around it, checking to see if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, and, if necessary, chemotherapy.

So, how do we protect ourselves from this sun?

Sun damage cannot be completely undone. But the skin can repair itself to some extent, especially if we continue to protect ourselves from the sun. So, it's never too late to start protecting yourself.

• Use a good sunscreen: Apply a good sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher 20 minutes before going out in the sun. Reapply every two hours if you sweat or swim.
• Wear protective clothing: Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants as much as possible. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and neck.
• Wear sunglasses with UV protection.
• Avoid exposure to strong sunlight between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. as much as possible. This is when UV rays are strongest.
• Check your skin at least once a month. Go in front of a mirror and look everywhere on your body, under your arms, under your legs, and behind your hairline for any new spots or changes.
• As parents, protect your children from the sun. The sun exposure during childhood accounts for 80% of the total sun exposure during a lifetime. Therefore, instill these habits in your children from an early age.

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