Did you know that every year over 175,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in Australia? That’s not all, among all the variants of this severe disease, skin cancer seems to be the most prevalent, with over 80% of diagnosed cases falling under skin cancer.
Research further indicates that by the time an Average Australian reaches the age of 70, they have an 82% chance of being affected by skin cancer. With these shocking revelations, skin cancer can not be ignored. Thus, in this article, we intend to give you a comprehensive guide around the epidemic of skin cancer.
To start with, cancer cells can develop anywhere in your body. In skin cancer, these cells start with the outer layers of your skin. In any variant of cancer, the risk of spreading to other tissues is always there. However, at an early stage, the growth of infected cells and the tumour can be eliminated.
The primary cause of skin cancer is said to be the exposure to the harmful UV radiations of the sun. bad lifestyle choices such as drinking, smoking, etc further add the carcinogenic toxins into our system, thus making it easier for cancer to cultivate itself inside our bodies.
Melanoma and non-melanoma are the two broad classifications of skin cancer. Melanoma is rarer and more harmful than non-melanoma cancer. Melanoma skin cancer has the potential of infecting the rest of the body, whereas non-melanoma generally doesn’t spread to other cells and tissues. Melanoma can be distinguished by its prominent dark brown and irregular patches on the skin.
Non-melanoma is usually either Basal cell or Squamous cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the least harm causing skin cancer type, with prominent moles or lesions around the head and the neck region. At severe stages of Basal cell carcinoma, these cancerous tissues may expand and bleed. Whereas in Squamous cell carcinoma, the UV rays are to blame causing irritating red patches on the skin.
In most cases, non-melanoma cancer variants can be cured if detected early.
So, the key is to learn self-examination for skin cancer. Whenever you recognize an unusual growth in a mole or a lesion that has been over-growing for a while, do consult a skin specialist. They would examine the mole or the lesion and offer you advice on how to proceed.
In most cases, moles or skin bumps are not cancerous. Often tumours come to be associated with “cancer”; not all tumours are cancerous. Your doctor can easily help you navigate through your skin issues. If you notice any irregularity in your skin, bleeding patches, dark brown flat raised areas, it shouldn’t be ignored.
You should only trust an experienced specialist’s word on it. There are trusted and experienced healthcare centres that could help you stay a step ahead of any disease. If you have any concerns, do visit website and learn more about it.
Specialists say that wearing proper sun protective gear is the first step towards blocking skin cancer out of your life. Choose sunglasses that adequately restrict the harmful rays, while also not being a discomfort for your eyes.
A sunscreen with the right SPF factor could help eliminate the risk further. Tanning booths seem to be gaining a lot of popularity. However, that tan could cost you a lot, considering the money that goes on cancer treatment bills. Tanning booths are rich in UV radiation, the primary cause of the disease. Limiting your exposure to them should e the first step.
We hope this article helps you stay informed and vigilant. Now that you know the causes, types, and self-examination methods to prevent skin cancer do spread it among everyone you know. Let’s fight the epidemic of skin cancer together.
