Skin cancer: new recommendations for preventing serious illness

Skin cancer is one of the the most common cancers, has become one of the main problems of public health specialists.

How Cases continue to rise both globally and among younger populations. Authorities and experts have stepped up information and prevention campaigns to spread knowledge about risk factors and measures that can save lives.

According to the latest estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022 more than There are 1.5 million new cases of skin cancer and nearly 60,000 deaths worldwide. associated with this pathology.

Although historically it has been more common in adults over 50 years of age, Argentine Society of Dermatology (SAD) has warned of an alarming rise in cases in patients aged around 40.

This phenomenon has raised alarm in the medical community, as prolonged sun exposure and inadequate care at a young age appear to have earlier effects than previously thought.

Skin cancer, which develops as a result of abnormal growth of skin cells, can affect any part of the body, including areas not normally exposed to the sun. The three main types of this disease are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Of these, melanoma is the most dangerous and causes the majority of deaths due to its high ability to spread to other parts of the body, including vital organs.

One of the most important advances in the fight against skin cancer is the growing understanding that most cases can be prevented by adopting responsible behavior. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major risk factor. and, fortunately, also the easiest to manage. The development of skin tumors is promoted by both direct solar radiation and visits to solariums.

The SAD emphasizes that people with fair skin, light eyes and a history of sunburn are more susceptible to skin cancer, but anyone can get the disease.

Doctor Valentin Manzurhead of the dermatology department of the Clinic of Buenos Aires, emphasized in a recent note in Information What ““Daily use of sunscreen, even in winter or on cloudy days, is essential to reduce the risk of skin cancer.”. Additionally, the key to effective protection is to properly apply and replace sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or heavy sweating.

He Early diagnosis of skin cancer is another important advance. Regular examinations by a dermatologist and frequent skin self-examination can significantly improve the prognosis of the disease.

The ABCDE rule, used to identify possible melanomas, remains an effective tool for identifying suspicious changes in moles. This method helps to identify A: asymmetry, B: uneven edges, C: wrong color, D: diameter greater than 6 mm, but for me the main thing has to be E: Evolution.

Early detection is essential for successful treatment of skin cancer. In more advanced cases, when the disease has spread, the prognosis is more complex. However, Treatment options have improved significantly in recent years, especially with the inclusion of immunological therapies. which stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells.

Preventive efforts are an approach that has begun to gain importance around the world. In August 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) included cardiovascular polypills in the list of essential medicines, which is a significant achievement in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and, indirectly, also skin cancer.

The polypill, which combines multiple drugs in a single dose, is not only effective in preventing cardiovascular disease, but also promotes adherence, which is vital for patients who must adhere to long-term treatment regimens, such as those at risk for skin diseases. Cancer.

In addition to pharmacological innovations, educational campaigns place a strong emphasis on sun protection, especially in countries with hot climates or high levels of UV exposure. WHO and various local organizations have taken initiatives to raise public awareness about the importance of skin care, with a special focus on youth.

Advice When exposed to the sun every day, even in winter, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVB and UVA rays.with SPF over 30, adapted to skin type. For sensitive skin that blushes easily, SPF 50 or higher is recommended. Even on cloudy or “sunny” days, sun protection is necessary, since ultraviolet rays penetrate the skin just as well.

Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are the most common types of skin cancer. Both usually develop on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck and hands. Basal cell carcinoma appears as a waxy or pearly mass or a flat lesion, while squamous cell carcinoma may appear as a firm red nodule or scaly, crusted lesion. Although these cancers are highly treatable, they can become disfiguring if not treated promptly.

On the other side, Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer. This type of cancer occurs in melanocytes, the cells that produce skin pigment. It can develop anywhere in the body. Melanomas can appear as dark lesions or moles that change color, size or texture, making them especially dangerous if not detected early.

In addition to sun exposure, there are other factors that increase your risk of developing skin cancer. People with Those at higher risk include people with a family history of skin cancer, weakened immune systems, or people who suffered severe sunburn as a child or teenager. Precancerous skin lesions, such as actinic keratoses, also indicate a greater susceptibility to developing the disease.

Medical research continues to evolve, and although skin cancer is one of the most common diseases, treatments for it are constantly improving. The medical community hopes that through a combination of prevention, early diagnosis and new treatments, the impact of this disease will be significantly reduced in the coming decades.

One of our greatest hopes lies in the education and awareness of new generations. The tendency to become overly tanned, whether from direct sun exposure or tanning beds, is a habit that needs to be broken. Experts insist that Far from being a sign of health, tanning is the body’s reaction to sun damage, which can have serious long-term consequences.

Finally, experts agree that self-care is the first line of defense against skin cancer. Regularly examining your skin and paying attention to any changes can help differentiate early from late diagnosis. Early detection offers the best chance of successful treatment.and for this reason, both dermatologists and oncologists emphasize the importance of constant monitoring.

Significant progress has been made in the fight against skin cancer in recent years, but much remains to be done. A combination of preventative strategies, healthy habits, and access to innovative treatments promises to reduce the incidence of this disease in the future. However, the key remains awareness and education so that more and more people take proactive steps to care for their skin and their overall health.