Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, more prevalent than all other cancers combined. Most skin cancers can be easily detected early. However, recognizing the aggressive clinical features of tumors is crucial for developing treatment plans and accurate prognoses. Here are some fundamental concepts about skin cancer that you need to know:
1. Melanoma is a definite threat to life
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than 1 million people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. Among these, approximately 100,000 cases are melanoma, and over 8,000 patients die each year. An alarming trend is the increasing incidence of melanoma in children as well.
2. Melanoma can be prevented
Tanning is a popular cultural practice in the West, but it can be deadly. The sun is responsible for 90% of skin cancer-related diseases. Limiting sun exposure or wearing protective clothing is the most effective way to prevent this. What about Vitamin D? While the sun provides Vitamin D for our bodies, you can easily supplement your nutrition with milk, orange juice, salmon, tuna, eggs, and avocados. Also, consider the children more; they are more vulnerable to harmful sun exposure.
3. Sunscreen cannot protect against everything
The sun emits two extremely harmful rays: UVA and UVB. Both are causes of skin cancer, yet many sunscreens only block UVB rays. Worse, recent studies indicate that some sunscreens can penetrate deep into your skin, allowing sunlight a greater opportunity to cause damage. This research also shows that many sunscreens we thought were beneficial are ineffective and contain harmful chemicals that penetrate the skin and are excreted through the urinary system. To counter this, health experts still recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of around 30, applied 30 minutes before going outdoors.
4. Men are more prone to sunburn than women
Men are more affected by sunlight than women, partly because they prefer outdoor activities and partly because they are less likely to wear sun-protective clothing and masks. If 60% of melanoma cases occur in men, they account for over 50% of diagnoses.
5. Tanned skin is not necessarily healthy
UV rays damage the internal skin cells, causing the body to release melanin, which darkens the protective outer skin layer, leading to wrinkling. Naturally dark-skinned individuals tend to have more protective melanin, which is why people of African descent are less likely to develop melanoma. Tanning salons are not an ideal solution; UV rays from sunlight are a primary cause of skin cancer.
Diec Quyen (Translated from LiveScience.com)
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