If you live in a part of the world that experiences the winter season, you can agree that summer and spring are exciting seasons to welcome. The sun becomes brighter, and the environment gets warmer, promoting outdoor activities. Engaging in outdoor activities frequently will mean your skin is more exposed to the sun. As a result, this elevates the chances of getting your skin damaged or even developing skin cancer. Besides, most skin cancers result from extreme exposure to harmful UV sun rays. Also, UV rays from sunlamps and tanning beds could damage skin cells. Luckily, most skin cancers can be prevented. Check below to learn more about these preventative measures.
Skin Cancer: What is it?
According to research, skin cancer is the most popular cancer in the United States, with over 6 million cases diagnosed annually. Skin cancer involves the growth and development of abnormal skin cells following extreme exposure to harmful UV rays. If detected early, skin cancer can be treated and cured. For this reason, it is essential to check your body regularly for any changes in old growths or the development of new ones. Seek medical attention immediately at a skin cancer clinic in Melbourne if you notice anything abnormal.
Types of Skin Cancer
While skin cancer can take many different forms, there are three most popular types, which include the following:
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This type of skin cancer attacks the outer layer of the skin, and it forms in the squamous cells. The common signs and symptoms to look for include a flat lesion having a crusty and scaly surface or a firm red nodule.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that starts in the basal cells found in the outer skin layer. This type of skin cancer can depict many signs, such as a brown scar-like or flat flesh-colored tension or a waxy or pearly bump.
Melanoma
While it is uncommon, this type of skin cancer is the most dangerous and deadly. The signs and symptoms to look for include the following:
Dark lesions on your toes, soles, palms, and fingertips or the mucous membranes lining your vagina, mouth, anus, or nose
A mole that bleeds or varies in size, feel, or color
A vast brown spot with darker speckles
Tiny lesions having abnormal sections and borders that appear bluish-black, white, blue, or red
Preventative Measure for Skin Cancer
Embrace Sun Safety
While summer seems to have the most sun exposure, you should protect yourself from UV rays throughout the year. Some tips for practicing sun safety include:
Use a generous amount of sunscreen whenever you go outside
Wear clothes that cover your legs and arms
Wear sunglasses that block UV rays and a broad hat that shades your face and neck
Stay in shades when possible
Avoid Indoor Tanning
Indoor tanning involves using a sunlamp, booth, bed, or sunbed to darken your skin. This exercise exposes your skin to harmful UV rays that can lead to skin cancer. While it might be an unpopular opinion, tanning does not protect one from sunburns, and it does not show good health.
