Prevention of skin cancer – how to protect yourself and prevent the disease

Causes of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer includes several forms of the disease at once, differing in clinical manifestations, therapy and impact on the patient’s life. Symptoms vary depending on the type of disease: in some cases, skin cancer may look like a superficial erosion, small induration or plaque.

Skin oncology develops mainly in open areas of the body that are subject to the negative effects of external factors of influence: according to statistics, more than half of all neoplasms are localized in the face. When diagnosing skin cancer at the initial stage, it is possible to completely recover from the disease, at the 3rd stage of detection – in 25-30% of cases.

Types of skin oncology

There are top 3 types of malignant neoplasms of the skin: melanoma, basalioma (basal cell carcinoma) and squamous cell skin cancer. Let’s take a closer look at each of them and analyze the main causes of occurrence:

• Melanoma – a malignant skin tumor that develops from melanocyte cells responsible for skin tanning. Melanoma is considered the most dangerous form of oncology in terms of early metastasis (the appearance of secondary foci), although it occurs only in 2-10% of cases. It is the timely diagnosis of melanoma that is the main task of health services around the world. The reason for this is the high risk of death.
• Basalioma (basal cell skin cancer) – this form of skin cancer is the most common (up to 70% of all diagnosed skin neoplasms) and develops in the basal cells of the epidermis. Basalioma is characterized by slow development and practically does not metastasize, therefore, with the timely detection of such neoplasms, the risk of being completely cured is the highest, compared with other forms of skin oncology.
• Squamous cell skin cancer – the second most common form of skin cancer that develops in the main cells of the epidermis – keratinocytes – and occurs in 11-25% of cases. At the initial stages of detection, the prognosis is favorable: with timely therapy, the possibility of remission reaches 90%. However, squamous cell carcinoma is prone to recurrence, often new neoplasms occur in the places of previous lesions, and can metastasize.

Reasons for the development of cancer cells in the skin

The main reason for the development of any form of primary skin oncology is the negative effect of ultraviolet rays on the epidermis. This includes both excessive solar insolation and the abuse of trips to the solarium.

The most dangerous type of cancer – melanoma – can also develop from moles or age spots in 30% of cases. Therefore, it is so important to monitor the existing, and even more so, the newly appeared nevi (pigmented formations) on the body. If you notice that a mole or a pigment spot has changed in size or color (it has become larger and turned dark, it has begun to bleed, itch or peel off), their edges and shape have become uneven, ulcerations have appeared – immediately consult a dermatologist to rule out a diagnosis. oncology.

Skin cancer also occurs at the site of long-term non-healing skin lesions. Due to repeated effects on tissues, in places of already formed scars (after wounds or burns), various degenerative changes are triggered in the skin cells, which are a pathological background for the development of oncology.

Skin Cancer Risk Factors

Unfortunately, science has not yet been able to identify the exact cause of malignant neoplasms. However, there are unequivocal factors that increase the risk of skin cancer:

• Excessive exposure to UV rays (sunbeds, tanning without proper sun protection, previous skin burns) is a key factor in the possible formation of skin cancer.
• Being in direct sunlight from 11 am to 16 pm, when solar activity is highest, as well as the risk of skin burns.
• A large number of dysplastic nevi (flat or slightly raised moles with jagged edges, painted in brown or black tones).
• Regular mechanical traumatized moles, age spots, scars, scars in the same place.
• Living in the southern regions and regions where solar activity remains high all year round.
• Often, cancer cells begin to actively develop against the background of reduced immunity, for example, due to any chronic or recent diseases.

Skin cancer risk groups

• Owners of fair skin (the first two phototypes) are at risk, as their skin is more prone to sunburn, as it is characterized by insufficient production of the protective pigment melanin.
• Patients who have previously been diagnosed with cancer: recurrence of the disease is possible in more than 40% of cases. The risk of oncology is also doubled if the disease is found in the anamnesis of relatives.
• Representatives of professions that imply contact with harmful chemical and carcinogenic substances (arsenic, household chemicals, radioactive products, coal, fuel oil, paraffin, etc.) or work outdoors in direct sunlight.
• People over the age of 50.

Ways to prevent skin cancer

Skin cancer, like any other disease, is easier to prevent than to treat. Therefore, it is so important to follow the recommendations for the prevention of pathology, especially for people who are at risk of morbidity.

Primary prevention

1. Avoid sun exposure from 11.00:16 to 00:XNUMX.
2. Do not use cosmetics with components that can cause photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to UV radiation) of the skin, such as retinoids, exfoliating acids or vitamin C, before and during tanning.
3. Apply sunscreen that suits your phototype before every time you go out. Update the protection layer every 1-2 hours. Don’t forget that UV rays damage your skin even in the cold season, so make it a point to use a high SPF all year round.
4. Use cosmetics with antioxidants to increase skin protection and resistance to free radicals.
5. During periods of high solar activity, wear closed clothing made from natural fabrics, which will additionally protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation. Don’t forget your hat and sunglasses!
6. If you notice new suspicious pigment spots, moles or indurations on your skin, as well as in case of a mechanical injury to a mole, sign up for an in-person consultation with a dermatologist.

Secondary prevention of skin cancer

Secondary prevention of skin cancer refers to regular dermatological examinations, including self-examination of the skin for the presence of pathological changes.

To independently diagnose a malignant skin change, pay attention to all new and existing moles and birthmarks. If they began to increase in size, darkened, began to acquire an asymmetric uneven shape, ulcerations, cracks, peeling and itching appeared on them – contact a dermatologist for further medical research.

The role of sunscreen in the prevention of skin neoplasms

Sunscreen can help prevent the harmful effects of UV rays on the skin. When choosing a sunscreen, be guided by its SPF (Sun Protection Factor): the higher its value, the more effective protection against UVB rays and sunburn.

Also pay attention to the PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening) index on the sunscreen packaging: it indicates the degree of protection against UVA radiation (the most dangerous for the skin, provoking the development of malignant tumors). According to European guidelines for optimal protection, the PPD to SPF ratio of a sunscreen formula should not exceed 3.

La Roche-Posay Effective UV Skin Protection Products

Anthelios Invisible Face & Eye Fluid, SPF 50+ / PPD 46 The light texture of the fluid is suitable for all skin types, even for sensitive ones. Can be used under makeup. Ingredients: broad spectrum sunscreen complex, thermal water rich in selenium.

Anthelios Mattifying Sun Gel Cream SPF 50 / PPD 21 A mattifying sunscreen formula for oily and combination problem skin with patented Airlicium technology. Reduces shine, visibly tightens pores. Non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic. Can be used under makeup.

Anthelios Mattifying Face Spray SPF 50 / PPD 27 The spray formula is suitable for oily, sensitive and normal skin, reduces shine throughout the day, moisturizes the skin for 24 hours. Can be applied over makeup.

Sun protection invisible spray for face and body Anthelios SPF 30 / PDD 14 Helps prevent oxidative stress caused by UV radiation and air pollution. Features a lightweight, invisible texture and a water, sweat & sand resistant formula. Suitable for sensitive skin.

UV – UV

UVA – UV rays type A

UVB – UV rays type B

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) – type B UV protection factor (sun protection factor)

PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening) – type A UV protection factor

Anthelios — Antgelios