Of the different kinds of cancer that human beings are prone to, skin
cancer is the most commonplace. The causes of skin cancer are many.
People living in cold places love to sit in the sun, others vie with
each other for a suntan. Too much exposure to the ultraviolet rays from
the sun is known to trigger cancer cells. Often the damage is done even
before youth are out of their teens, as that is the time they are most
subjected to the sun’s bad effects.
The more fair skinned you are, the greater the chances of contracting
this type of cancer. Congenital traits are responsible for cancer in
families. Environmental exposure to toxic elements like arsenic in its
many forms, the highly radioactive radium, creosote, a product of wood
tar, and viscid substances like coal tar and pitch are responsible for
the high incidence of cancer.
Though it may come as a surprise to many, there is no larger organ in
the human body than the skin. It’s the body’s armor, defending the
other organs against bacteria and keeping them from being injured. It
helps maintain the fluid levels in the body by preventing the loss of
this precious substance. It conveys messages to the brain concerning
the temperature of the body, which it monitors, as well as the
sensation of touch. It sends signals when the body feels pain. Being
multi-functional, is it any wonder then why the skin is an important
organ and must be looked after?
Cancer of the skin is classified under two heads—non-melanoma and melanoma.
The former occurs in any part of the body unprotected from the sun’s
harmful rays. The skin on the face, neck and hands are especially prone
to this type of cancer. This kind is localized and doesn’t usually
spread to other areas. It may be slow moving or could advance rapidly.
Melanoma manifests itself in the cells responsible for producing
melanin or pigment, which gives the skin its color. Melanin keeps the
many layers of the skin safe from the damaging effects of the sun’s
radiation. Although this type of cancer is not as common as
non-melanoma, it is far more deadly and can be fatal if not detected in
its early stages.
To be able to combat skin cancer, watch for the early warning signs. It
could be a slight ‘disfigurement’ of the skin that makes you uneasy or
perhaps a familiar mole that somehow looks different and has you
wondering. Perhaps it’s a dark lump or nodule, the alarmingly quick
growth of which has you worried. Have you noticed that the skin has
changed in texture or it oozes or bleeds, and you have no explanation
for it? If you experience a new sensitivity, a tendency to scratch or
feel pain, its time to sit up and take notice. In all these instances
don’t hesitate to make an appointment with the doctor. It could mean
your life.
Prevention, as the adage goes, is better than cure. Don’t expose
yourself to the sun for too long and try to keep indoors or in the
shade, if you cannot help being out, from 10 in the morning to 4 in the
afternoon. The right kind of clothing with a tight weave, comfortably
styled with long sleeves is ideal. Slather on the sunscreen lotions
(SPF 15 at least) and don’t think one application will do. Repeat the
process especially if you’ve had a swim, or if you’ve been perspiring
and mopping the sweat off. Don’t be careless on cloudy days. The
harmful rays are still at work.
Headgear will help. Sport a hat with a wide brim so that most of your
face, back and neck are protected. A cap doesn’t offer much protection
so don’t neglect you neck and ears when applying sunscreen lotion.
Your eyes are sensitive too. Go with a pair of sunglasses, one that can
absorb almost cent per cent of the ultraviolet rays. The bigger the
lens, the better the protection.
All these precautions will not only help prevent cancer but will keep
your skin looking younger, healthier and the wrinkles at bay. So
protect yourself the trendy way and guard yourself against skin cancer.
