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Health
Skin cancer can affect anyone, and overexposure to
the sun, a key risk factor for skin cancer, can occur
at any time of year. Whether it is a hot, sultry day
spent by the pool or a chilly day skiing the slopes, any
exposure to the sun can result in skin damage that can
increase a person’s risk for skin cancer. Plus, certain areas
of the body are more susceptible than others.
How does skin cancer form?
When DNA, the material that encodes genetic information
in all cells of the body, is damaged and the body
cannot repair that damage, a person’s risk for cancer
increases. Damaged cells begin to grow and divide uncontrollably.
Damaged skin cells that divide and spread
can cause skin cancer. Because skin cancer tumors generally
form in the outer-most layer of the skin known
as the epidermis, skin cancer may be more readily apparent
and detectable than many other cancers in the
early stages.
The American Academy of Dermatology says that
one in fi ve Americans will develop some form of skin
cancer in their lifetime, while the Canadian Skin Cancer
Foundation says that basal cell carcinoma, the most
common form of skin cancer, affects 50,000 to 60,000 Canadians
each year.
Where is skin cancer most likely to
appear?
Skin cancer is most likely to appear on the areas
of the body most exposed to the sun. These include the
head, face, neck, arms, and legs. Those who are bald or
balding can also have skin cancer appear on their scalp.
But skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body
where there is skin, which makes it important to routinely
check all areas of the body for indicators of the
disease.
A recent study by The Mayo Clinic found that, while
skin cancer can affect anyone, young women are more
likely to receive a diagnosis. The study indicated that
melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, has
increased by eight times for women under the age of 40
since 1970. Even children can get skin cancer. A study in
the journal Pediatrics found that the number of cases of
skin cancer among children and adolescents has been
increasing each year by about two percent.
Types of skin cancer
There are three main types of skin cancer. They include
basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma,
and melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma occurs in the basal cells,
which are the lowest level of the epidermis. It can appear
as a shiny translucent or pearly nodule, a sore that
continuously heals and then reopens, a pink slightly
elevated growth, reddish irritated patches of skin, or a
waxy scar.
Squamous cell carcinoma occurs in the upper
layer of the epidermis. It often looks like a crusty, red
patch of skin.
Melanoma begins in the melanocytes, the cells in
the epidermis that give the skin its color. Melanoma
is the most deadly form of skin cancer because it can
quickly spread into the lymph system of the body and
organs. Melanoma can form in a preexisting mole or
form a new mole.
Causes of skin cancer
Exposure to sunlight is the leading cause of skin cancer,
Adults and even children are susceptible to skin cancer
when spending time outdoors.
according to the American Cancer Society. While
the rays of the sun may be more intense during the
summertime, any exposure to the sun can lead to skin
cancer. The sun can refl ect off of snow and become concentrated.
No matter how many layers a person wears
during cooler weather, the head and neck area tends to
remain exposed to the sun’s damaging ultraviolet radiation
year-round.
Skin cancer is most likely to occur in people with
pale skin who have a tendency to burn or freckle when
exposed to the sun. But everyone should be diligent and
cover up when spending time outdoors.
No one is immune to skin cancer, and the change of
seasons does not lower a person’s risk of getting the disease.
Anytime a person is in the sun he or she runs the
risk of ultraviolet exposure that can lead to skin cancer,
which highlights the importance of taking preventive
measures to safeguard yourself from skin cancer.
How clothing can help
prevent skin cancer
Many people choose their
clothes based largely on
their own unique fashion
sense. But the clothes people
wear can serve a greater
purpose than broadcasting
their sense of style to the
world. The Skin Cancer Foundation
notes that clothing is
the fi rst line of defense against
the sun’s harmful ultraviolet,
or UV, rays.
The right clothing can absorb
and block ultraviolet radiation,
and the Foundation
recommends wearing such attire
as part of an effective sunprotection
The Skin Cancer Foundation notes that clothing is the
fi rst line of defense against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet,
or UV, rays.
regimen. When purchasing
clothing, consumers are urged to
determine each article’s ultraviolet
protection factor, or UPF. The UPF factor
indicates what fraction of the sun’s
UVA and UVB radiation can penetrate
the fabric and reach the skin. Clothing
with a factor of 50 will only allow
1/50th of the sun’s UV radiation to
reach the skin.
The rating system is relatively new,
so consumers in North America may
not fi nd UPF ratings listed on the labels
of clothing they typically purchase
from their favorite retailers. In
addition, the sun protective clothing
industry in North America is self-regulated,
which means some, but not all,
manufacturers’ claims regarding the
safety of their clothing may be dubious.
However, consumers concerned
about the safety of the clothing they
wear when spending time in the sun
can speak with dermatologists about
fi nding clothing manufacturers with
strong reputations of producing sun
protective clothing that can protect
them from the sun’s UV rays.