SKIN CANCER: Occurrence, causes, risk factors and prevention measures.

Understanding skin cancer occurrence and risk factors is a good way to stay safe from skin cancer.

There are two main types of skin cancer.
1. Cancer that develops from melanocytes, the pigments making the cells of the skin called melanomas.
2. Skin cancers that aren't melanoma (non-melanoma). There are two types:
i) Basal cell carcinoma.
ii) Squamous cell carcinoma.

Melanoma skin cancer

Is a cancer that starts in skin cells called melanocytes. They're majorly brown or black. But can also be blue, red or combination of colours. They are more likely to start from these locations;
a) Trunk(men)
b) Legs(women)
c) Neck.
d) Face.
This type of cancer is less common but dangerous. It's much more likely to spread to other parts unlike basal skin cancer. When observed under the microscope, melanomas cells resemble basal epidermal cells. It mostly develops on sun exposed parts like neck and head.

Risk factors for melanoma skin cancer

UV light is the major risk factors.
Fair skin,freckling and light hair.
Many moles on the skin
Family history. If there is a first degree relative who contracted melanoma then the chances of other members contracting are high.
Personal history. If you had melanoma before then chances of you getting again are high.
Immune suppression. People treated with immune suppression drugs like during organ transfer are at higher risk.
Gender. Before age 50, risk is higher for women but after age 50, risk is higher for men.
Age. Less age related but it's more prevalent in old people.

Basal cell skin cancer.
Once it was only for the middle-age and older people but nawadays affects even the young. It is slow growing and rarely metastize (spread to other parts). However, if untreated, it can grow to inner tissues and bones. It's worth noting that the basal carcinoma can recur after treatment.

Risk factors for Basal cell skin cancer

Old age.
Prevelent in men.
Exposure to large amounts of arsenic (As) increases risk of contraction.
Work exposure to tar,coal and paraffin.
Personal history.
Previous treatment with radiation increases risk of contracting.
Severe skin inflammation.
Psoriasis treatment.
Inherited skin conditions like xeroderma pigmentation (XP) and Basal cell nervous syndrome.
Reduced immunity.
Smoking.

Causes

Most skin cancers are caused by UV radiation that changes the DNA in our cells.
Genetic inheritance can increase risk of melanoma.

PREVENTION

Limit UV exposure by avoiding sun lamps and tonning beds.
Proper clothing. Various clothes have different ultraviolet penetration factor (UPF). However, clothes don't totally bar UV radiation.
Wear a hat.
Use broad spectrum sunscreen that is at least SPF 30.
Don't use sunscreen to stay out longer.
Wear wrap around sunglasses that block UVA and UVB.
Stay in the shade (8:00am-10:00)
It's better to stay indoors(to avoid sunning) and instead get Vitamin D from foods and supplements.

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