What causes skin cancer and how can it be prevented?

Dermatology | Posted on 08/24/2022 by RBH

Skin cancer is very common in most countries, especially in Australia. Ozone depletion is one of the primary reasons for skin cancer since that part affects Australia generally most people believe that only they are vulnerable to skin cancer. But anyone can have skin cancer who is in contact with a direct ultraviolet light or has an altered DNA condition. In simple terms, one can say that can cancer is usually caused due to ultraviolet radiation from the sun that damages the DNA of the skin cell that ultimately leads to the development of skin cancer. Further, there are other conditions that might have the risk factors for developing Melanoma skin cancer.

Skin cancer occurs when the cells present in the skin grow and multiply in an uncontrolled manner. The cell cycle gets damaged and causes alterations in the DNA due to which the cells multiply uncontrollably. Skin cancer may be benign that is non-cancerous and does not spread to other areas while some of skin cancer may be malignant and get spread to other areas in the body if not diagnosed or treated in time. As mentioned earlier, excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun is one of the prime reasons for skin cancer. One should consult the best oncologist in order to get the best treatment for cancer. One can categorize skin cancer into three basic types which include

• Basal cell carcinoma is the most basic or common type of skin cancer; this is also known as non Melanoma skin cancer.
• Squamous cell carcinoma is another type of skin cancer which is also known as non Melanoma can cancer. It usually affects the face, ear, and hand and people who have dark skin are at a greater risk of developing this type of cancer.

• Melanoma is not as common as the above two mentioned skin cancer but it is one of the most dangerous types of cancer if it is left untreated it can spread to other body organs. As this type of cancer is not diagnosed and treated in time it can lead to life-threatening conditions. This type of cancer usually affects the legs, fingernails, palms, and toenails. Some of the symptoms that can be identified include brownish spots, change in mole shape and color, and painful lesions that burn.

Causes of skin cancer:

Skin cancer is caused when mutations develop in the DNA of the skin that occurs due to the ultraviolet radiation of the Sun. This radiation causes mutations in the skin cells that make them grow uncontrollably and forms a mass of cancerous cells. Ultraviolet radiation can be caused due to the sun, tanning beds, sun lamps, etc which damage the skin.

Moles are generally not a sign of skin cancer but if the size, shape, and color of the mole change and it grows out of proportion then one might need to consult an expert in order to get the skin mole tested. People who have lighter skin tones are likely to develop freckles and cancerous moles.

People who have a family history of skin cancer are more likely to develop skin cancer at a higher risk of having it. The change in DNA or mutation gets transferred to the next generation that much increases the risk of developing skin cancer.

The weakened immune system can be a cause of skin cancer as the body is not able to recover and cope with treatment methods such as chemotherapy, certain drugs, medicines, autoimmune disease etc.

Preventive measures for skin cancer:

• Avoid exposure of your skin to sunlight
• Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps
• One should use or apply sunscreen lotion with a minimum SP of 40 and lip balm that consist of a sun protection factor or SPF above 30.
• One should wear sunglasses that are ultraviolet rays protected.
• One should avoid wearing dark-colored clothes such as Black as it absorbs the maximum amount of Sunlight.
• One should try to keep their body as much covered as possible as exposed skin is at a greater risk of UV damage.
• Try to stay indoors when the sunlight is strongest and try to move out in the early morning or evening time.
• One should also use hats, caps, and umbrellas when they move out of the house as it provides protection from sunlight.

Rukmani Birla Hospital is one of the top hospitals in Jaipur. At RBH we provide the best oncologist surgery in Jaipur which is performed by highly specialized surgeons who have years of experience in treating different types of cancer. We have the top oncologist in Jaipur so if you are looking for skin cancer treatment in India then contact RBH for expert assistance and care.