Skin Cancer is a disease that involves the growth of abnormal cells in your skin tissue. It has become a rising global concern. In the U.S., more than 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. More than two people die of the disease every hour.
Skin cancers are mostly malignant in nature. Two to three million nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC) and 132,000 melanomas are diagnosed annually. One in three cancers diagnosed annually are skin cancers with a higher incidence in Caucasians especially in Australia.
Skin cancers are less common in Nigeria than in some other parts of the world but are still a very important cause of morbidity and, to a lesser extent, mortality, especially among albinos here.
It is estimated that there are 65,258 new cases of skin cancer in Nigeria annually giving a projected annual incidence of 52 in 100,000.
Normally, as skin cells grow old and die, new cells form to replace them. When this process doesn’t work as it should they may be cancerous.
There are 2 types of skin Cancer. The Non Melanoma and the Melanoma Skin cancer. Melanoma skin cancer is known as the 17th most common cancer in the world according to the World Cancer Research Fund International (WCRFI).
There are tons of reasons why Skin Cancer is radically on the rise, in this blog post, we'll be exploring 4 reasons why Skin Cancer is on the rise and how to avoid it.
1. UV radiation:
UV radiation, or ultraviolet radiation, is an invisible form of energy emitted by the sun. It's categorized into three main types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Natural sources of UV radiation include sunlight, while artificial sources include tanning beds and lamps, which emit predominantly UVA and UVB radiation. UVC radiation is mostly absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere.
Our skin is our body's armor, and it's made up of different layers, like layers of clothing. UV rays from the sun can go through these layers and damage our skin. Think of it like the sun's rays poking holes in your skin. Our skin has a bodyguard called melanin, which gives our skin, hair, and eyes their colors. Melanin helps protect our skin, but some people have more of it than others, so they're better protected.
One of the key mechanisms by which UV radiation leads to cancer is through DNA damage. UV radiation is particularly effective at causing mutations in the DNA of skin cells. This genetic damage can trigger the initiation of skin cancers, primarily melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. These cancers often develop in areas of the skin that are commonly exposed to the sun.
To protect yourself from UV radiation you need to put on sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher before going out in the sun. Wear long clothes when going out to avoid too much sunburn. Try to hide under shades when the sun is hot. Lastly, taking care of your skin should be a top priority for you.
2. Exposure to carcinogens:
Exposure to certain chemicals and substances, such as arsenic, can increase the risk of skin cancer.
Carcinogens, which are cancer-causing substances, can interact with the DNA in your skin cells. This interaction can cause alterations or mutations in the DNA.
When the DNA is damaged, it can disrupt the normal regulatory mechanisms that control cell growth and division. As a result, affected skin cells may start to divide uncontrollably.
Tobacco smoke is another source of carcinogens that can contribute to skin cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma. Smoking reduces the blood flow to the skin and impairs its ability to repair damage from UV radiation.
Like UV radiation, avoiding the intake of the aforementioned harmful chemicals will keep your skin healthy and soft. Avoid Artificial tanning devices because they emit UV radiation that can damage your skin just like the sun. Avoid tanning beds altogether. Perform self-examinations of your skin to detect any unusual moles, spots, or changes in the appearance of your skin. If you notice anything suspicious, consult a dermatologist promptly.
3. AGE
Age is not just a number; it's a fundamental aspect of our lives. As we grow older, our bodies go through numerous changes, and some of these changes can significantly impact our health. One health concern that becomes increasingly prevalent with age is skin cancer.
One of the primary reasons for the increased risk of skin cancer in older individuals is the cumulative effect of UV exposure over a lifetime. The damage caused by UV radiation accumulates over the years, and this cumulative damage can eventually lead to skin cancer.
Aging can result in changes to the skin, making it more vulnerable to the harmful effects of UV radiation. The skin tends to become thinner, losing some of its elasticity and the ability to repair itself efficiently.
It causes changes in Melanin Production. Melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, provides some natural protection against UV radiation. However, aging can lead to changes in melanin production, reducing its protective effect
4. IMMUNOSUPPRESSION
People with weakened immune systems, such as organ transplant recipients or individuals with certain medical conditions, are at a higher risk. Individuals who have received organ transplants often take medications to prevent their immune system from rejecting the new organ. These immunosuppressive drugs reduce the immune system's ability to detect and destroy cancerous cells, making transplant recipients more susceptible to skin cancer and other malignancies.When the immune system is compromised, it's less effective at recognizing and eliminating cancerous or precancerous cells. This can allow skin cancers, like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, to develop more easily.
Medical conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, can weaken the immune system. HIV, for example, directly targets immune cells, leading to an increased risk of skin cancers like Kaposi's sarcoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.
Therefore, individuals with weakened immune systems should take extra precautions to protect their skin from UV radiation and undergo regular skin examinations to detect skin cancer at an early, treatable stage.
FINAL THOUGHT.
The fight against Cancer is everybody's business. Skin Cancer, though tough, can only be defeated when one prepares and addresses it on time. The best way to prevent any form of Cancer is to take care of your health. Visit any medical professionals when sick, and take care of your skin in your own little way.
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