Sun exposure and skin cancer: Are we really aware of this?

We all love the sun. When a little sun hits our skin in the morning, it feels so good. We also feel beautiful when our skin has a little 'glow' or a radiant look. But is the sun really our best friend? Do we really know the damage that this sunlight we love can do to our skin? It may be more harmful than we think.

How does the sun affect our skin?

We think that wrinkles and aging are normal. But did you know that the main reason for the aging appearance of our faces, such as wrinkles and blemishes, is sun exposure. Think about it this way: a 40-year-old who protects their skin from the sun can look as youthful as a 30-year-old!

Simply put, the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays directly damage our skin. Our skin has a special type of fiber called elastin . Think of them as rubber bands. These elastin fibers are what keep our skin tight, elastic, and healthy. When we are exposed to the sun for a long time, these UV rays gradually break down these elastin fibers. What happens then? The skin starts to sag and wrinkle. The skin also becomes very delicate, and it tends to get injured or scratched by even the smallest thing. Those wounds also take longer to heal.

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world. Simply put, skin cancer is when skin cells start to grow abnormally and out of control . This causes the cells to clump together and form tumors. Some of these can be benign (harmless) or malignant (cancerous).

There are three main types of skin cancer:

1. Basal cell carcinoma

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma

3. Melanoma

The first two types of skin cancer, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas , account for 95% of all skin cancers. These are relatively less dangerous and can be almost completely cured if detected early.

But melanoma is the most dangerous and deadly of the three . It develops from cells called melanocytes, which give our skin its color. If not treated properly, this cancer can spread to other important organs in the body, such as the liver, lungs, and brain. Therefore, we need to be very careful about this.

Who is most at risk?

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 (blue, green).
• For those with blonde or red hair .
• If you or someone in your family has had skin cancer before.
• For those who work outdoors a lot (e.g., farmers, construction workers).
• Having had a severe sunburn as a child, especially before the age of 18 (this increases the risk of melanoma ).
• For those with more than 30 large or irregularly shaped birthmarks on the skin.

What are the warning signs? How do we recognize them?

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

• Basal Cell Carcinoma: It can appear as a small, pearly, waxy bump on the face, ears, or neck, or as a flat, pink, red, or brown spot on the body, arms, or legs.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: It may appear as a hard, red lump, or as a flat spot that is rough, scaly, bleeds, or crusts over.
• Melanoma: Usually starts as a dark spot or lump. But sometimes it can be red or white. Although it looks like a normal birthmark, it is irregular in shape, color, and size.

There is a simple method called the ABCDE rule that can help you identify melanoma. Keep this in mind when you regularly check your skin.

How does a doctor diagnose and treat this?

If you notice any suspicious changes on your skin, see a dermatologist right away . The doctor will first take a small sample of tissue from the area where your skin has changed. This is called a biopsy . It is done under anesthesia, so you won't feel any pain. The sample will then be examined under a microscope to see if there are any cancer cells.

The treatment method is determined by taking into account many factors, such as the type of cancer you have, its size, location, and your preferences. There are several treatment options.

• Primary Excision: The cancer and a small amount of healthy tissue around it are surgically removed.
• Mohs surgery: A special surgery performed for high-risk cancers.
• Cryosurgery: A very cold substance, such as liquid nitrogen, is used to destroy cancer cells.
• Topical creams: Your doctor may prescribe special creams that kill cancer cells.
• More complex treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, may be required for more severe conditions such as melanoma.

What should we do to protect ourselves from skin cancer?

Sun damage cannot be completely undone. However, the skin can repair itself to some extent, especially if we continue to protect ourselves from the sun. Therefore, it is never too late to start protecting ourselves from the sun .

• Use sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher . Apply at least 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. A wide-brimmed hat provides good protection for the face and neck.
• Wear sunglasses: Use sunglasses that provide protection from UV rays.
• Avoid the harsh sun: Minimize exposure to the harsh sun, especially between 10 am and 2 pm .
• Check your skin yourself: At least once a month, stand in front of a mirror and carefully examine your skin from head to toe. Look for new spots, bumps, or changes in existing spots.
• Protect your children: Children's skin is very delicate. As parents, we need to ensure that they are protected from the sun and instill good habits in them from a young age.