Skin cancer. What should I know and how can I protect myself?
How common is it?
The various forms of skin cancer are today the most frequently occurring form of cancer worldwide. Each year we have more new cases of skin cancer than the total sum of new cases of breast, prostate, lung and bowel cancers combined. The overall lifetime risk of developing some type of skin cancer in a person's lifetime in Western societies is estimated at 20% (1 in 5).
Are there different formats?
We divide them into two large groups. The first group is represented by malignant melanoma and the second includes Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers, such as Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
How dangerous are they?
The "villain" of the case is melanoma. Although it is the minority of skin cancers, it nevertheless causes the most problems. It is typically estimated that over 50,000 people die from melanoma annually in Europe, America and Australia, where databases exist.
Have they increased in frequency compared to earlier times?
Melanoma has tripled in frequency over the past 3 decades. In Europe, according to data from the European Foundation for Skin Cancer (EFSC), it is estimated that every year we have a total increase of all forms of skin cancer by 5-7% compared to the previous year. This increasing trend is estimated to remain for the next generation, i.e. approximately for the next 20-30 years.
What is the reason for this increase?
What is "to blame" seems to be the changing behavior of people, especially in Western societies, in relation to the sun. People's ability to take more vacations and travel to sunnier destinations has played a bigger role for residents of northern European countries and the US. Also, there is an intense and systematic exposure to the sun during the summer months from childhood, in fact. Even in our country this is very evident during the last decades. What is described are not simple theoretical analyses, but measured data. The study of human behavior has shown two "SOS" errors that greatly increase the risk of developing skin cancer; first and foremost, severe childhood sunburn (even one) and second, intermittent, intense sun exposure, i.e. life-work in an office all year round and prolonged exposure to the sun without protection some days in the summer. The third element is a lifestyle issue with the use of solariums for artificial tanning. The solarium, according to the FDA and the corresponding European committee, is a carcinogen of the same level as cigarettes for lung cancer.
So, by changing behavior, things will get better?
Clearly! Educating children and parents about proper sun protection from childhood and a comprehensive understanding of the problem will help to the greatest extent. If we all follow some basic rules, everything will be fine. In particular, we must avoid the sun during the hours 11:00-16:00, we must always wear proper sunscreen with protection for UVA and UVB rays, to renew it and sit in shady places on the beach and always with a hat and sunglasses. As far as children are concerned, the major issue is their education. Proper sun protection should become an experience for them as they should not be "burned by the sun" until they are adults.
So there is also good news since prevention saves?
The numbers may be scary, but the news is only good. Even melanoma, if diagnosed at an early stage, is practically curable, just like the rest of the forms. A preventive examination at the Dermatologist can be life-saving, as with Dermatoscopy and all the latest diagnostic techniques we can diagnose melanoma in its very early stages. Knowledge also saves. People should not be scared, but change some bad habits in their daily life with special attention to children. That is why all prevention campaigns move in this direction. The sun is a great friend of ours, but in moderation.
Dimitris K. Sgouros
Dermatologist-Venoretologist
University Scholar 2nd University Clinic of Venereal & Skin Diseases
PGN "ATTIKON"
Article https://www.eumedline.eu
