Our skin is a primary protective organ covering the entire body playing an important role as a physical barrier between body and external  environment. Its main function is to provide protection from irritants, UV light, pathogens, toxins and  temperature regulation.

But if our skin is often triggered by prolonged exposure to intense UV radiation from sunlight or artificial sources like tanning beds,  over a period of  time it leads to DNA damage in skin cells, impairing their repair mechanisms and fostering malignant transformation which causes abnormal growth in skin cells leading to Skin Cancer. Other causes are genetic susceptibility like familial predisposition, genetic mutation, inherited syndromes. Immuno suppression due to medications or immunodeficiency disorders, exposure to ionizing radiation like X rays, tobacco usage, HPV infection  can  increase the risk of skin cancer.

There are 3 major types of skin cancer which are

Ø Basal cell carcinoma – appears as brown scar or flesh colored bump or flat  lesion on skin and often appears on face and neck. It grows slowly and is unlikely to spread to distant areas.

Ø Squamous cell carcinoma – appears as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly or crusty surface and often appears on face, ears, neck and hands. It is more likely to spread to other areas.

Ø Melanoma – resembles moles which changes in size, shape , color with irregular borders, uneven coloring of moles, itching, tenderness, pain in mole, spots that bleed or ooze, sores that don’t heal. This type of skin cancer is more dangerous  as it is more aggressive and  can develop anywhere in the body including areas which are not exposed to sunlight.

Precautionary measures to be taken for protecting yourself from skin cancer are

Ø Apply sunscreen lotion with SPF 30 or higher when you go in sunlight

Ø Wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses whenever you go out in intense sunlight

Ø Avoid artificial UV radiation from tanning beds

Ø Stay hydrated as proper hydration can help maintain skin health and resilience.

Ø Self examination for early detection of suspicious lesions

Empowering Primary prevention, early detection and timely intervention plays a pivotal role in safeguarding people from skin cancer.

Whether your skin is dark or fair, be UV aware