as the name suggests, skin cancer is a
cancerous condition of skin.
Types of skin cancer
there are three types of skin cancers:
basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin
cancer and the dangerous malignant
melanoma. Since skin cancer is very
closely associated to skin pigmentation,
the fair skinned people are more at risk
of developing skin cancer as compared to
the dark skinned ones.
The cause of skin cancer
prolonged contact with direct sunlight is
what causes skin cancer. The main
culprit in the direct rays of sunlight is
the uv radiation (i.E. Ultra violet
rays). Thus most of the preventive
action against skin cancer is concentrated
on avoidance of uv rays.
Protection against skin cancer
protection against skin cancer is probably
easier than the protection against other
types of skin cancer. Still, a number of
people ignore it and become target of this
dreaded disease. Here is a list of
things that can protect you from skin
cancer:
1. Clothing: since skin cancer is caused
by prolonged contact of uv rays with your
skin, the more you cover your skin with
clothing, the lesser is your risk of
developing skin cancer. Full sleeved
clothes, long skirts and trousers, big
hats/caps, high necks etc are all helpful
in preventing skin cancer.
2. Sun screen lotion: there are a number
of skin care products available in markets
that offer effective protection against
skin cancer. Sun screen lotions and
creams that have a spf (sun protection
factor) of 15 or more are much recommended
for use.
3. Avoid exposure to uv rays: this is
the best protection against skin cancer.
If you can time your outdoor activity
during those periods when the uv rays are
less intense, you are automatically
protected against uv rays. Thus getting
out either early in the mornings of later
in the evenings is the best.
4. Diet: carotenoid fruits and
vegetables are also known to help prevent
skin cancer.
Detection of skin cancer
the various techniques for protection
against skin cancer can only reduce your
risk of contacting skin cancer. If you
are really unlucky (or if you have not
taken the protective measures against skin
cancer), you might still get affected by
skin cancer. In such a case, early
detection can make the difference between
curability and non-curability. Timely
consultation with a qualified doctor,
regular check-ups and accurate diagnosis
can prevent skin cancer from becoming
really dangerous for you.
