As we prepare for the summer months, it is becoming more important to not only understand what skin cancer is, but what factors can increase your risk of developing skin cancer during lifetime.
Skin Cancer Types
Skin cancer develops when abnormal skin cells begin to multiply at a rapid rate. It is the most common form of all cancers. There are several different types of skin cancer. The most common types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma skin cancer.
The Two Most Common Types
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the two most common skin cancer types. Like other forms of cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma develop when abnormal cells begin to grow out of control. Both are slow-growing types of cancer, and are typically found within the head, neck, and arms. When detected early both these cancers have a good prognosis. Squamous cell carcinoma has an increased risk of local spreading. Basal cell carcinoma, has a decreased risk of spreading.
The Most Dangerous Skin Cancer
Melanoma skin cancer is a less common, but it is a much more dangerous form of skin cancer. It effects approximately 7,000 people in Canada each year. Unlike basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma skin cancer has the highest of risk of spreading to other organs in the body, and can quickly become fatal if left untreated. While melanoma skin cancer can appear anywhere on the body, it most commonly appears on the chest and back region in men, and on the legs in women, but can develop in other areas like the soles of the feet, nails, genitalia and even the eye. Interestingly, the legend, Bob Marley, died at age 36, from a type of melanoma under his toe nail.
Risk Factors
There are several factors that can increase an individual’s risk of developing skin cancer in their lifetime. Those who are repeatedly exposed to the sun or have fair skin that burns easily are at an increased risk. In addition, individuals who have had repeated exposure to ultraviolet rays from sunshine and tanning beds, or have scarring from previous diseases, are also at a higher risk of developing skin cancer in their lifetime. Did you know that your first exposure to a sun bed, before the age of 35, increases your risk of melanoma to 75%? It’s no wonder the World Health Organization designated tanning beds as ‘carcinogenic to humans’, in the the same category as tobacco, arsenic and asbestos, in 2009.
There are precautions that individuals can take to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer in the future. The most common precautions include consistent protection of the skin against light, 365 days of the year, irrespective of the weather conditions.The use of sunscreen and wearing protective clothing every day, avoiding excessive sun exposure during the peak hours between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, and avoiding the use of tanning beds. While skin cancer continues to be prevalent in Canada, understanding the risk factors and taking the correct precautions can reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.
Be sure to check back regularly for more articles on skin cancer risk factors, treatments, and tips for lowering your risk!