Two main causes of skin cancer

SKIN CANCER develops primarily on areas of sun-exposed skin, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms and hands, and on the legs in women. But it can also form on areas that rarely see the light of day, including your palms, beneath your fingernails or toenails, and your genital area.

Skin cancer affects people of all skin tones, including those with darker complexions. When melanoma occurs in people with dark skin tones, it is more likely to occur in areas not normally exposed to the sun, such as the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

The two main causes of skin cancer are the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and using UV tanning beds. The good news is that if skin cancer is caught early, your dermatologist can treat it with little or no scarring, and high odds of eliminating it entirely. Often, the doctor may even detect the growth at a precancerous stage, before it has become a full-blown skin cancer or penetrated below the surface of the skin.

Dr Naiara Braghiroli, dermatologist at Baptist Health’s Miami Cancer Institute, shares information about this disease, different types of skin cancers, warning signs, and how it looks in early stages. Regardless of skin tone, she said it is important to adopt measures to shield your skin, the body’s largest organ, from harmful UV rays, which are linked to approximately 90 per cent of non-melanoma skin cancers.

“While it is true that skin cancer is less prevalent in darker-skinned populations, anyone can develop it with excessive UV exposure over time. According to global statistics, there are currently between two to three million non-melanoma skin cancers and 132,000 melanoma skin cancers diagnosed each year worldwide,” Dr Braghiroli said.

In Jamaica, acral lentiginous melanomas (ALM), which often appear as black or brown lesions on areas like the palms, soles and mucous membranes, account for 51 per cent of melanoma cases. ALM can be harder to spot, so it is crucial to check everywhere, not just exposed areas.

“Skin cancer can also show up in places that are rarely, if ever, exposed to sunlight. These include areas between the toes, on the soles of the feet, in the eyes (known as ocular melanoma), and on the genitalia. Checking your skin regularly for any new, changing, itchy, bleeding or non-healing spots is crucial for early detection,” Dr Braghiroli said.

The sooner a skin cancer is identified and treated, the better your chance of avoiding surgery or, in the case of a serious melanoma or other skin cancer, potential disfigurement or even death. It is also a good idea to talk to your doctor about your level of risk and for advice on early detection. You have to become familiar with the look of your skin, particularly spots and moles, so you pick up any changes that might suggest a skin cancer.

You can look for any crusty, non-healing sores; small lumps that are red, pale or pearly in colour; new spots, freckles or any moles changing in colour, thickness or shape over a period of weeks to months.

“Limit direct sun exposure as much as possible from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. Use a broad spectrum, mineral-based sunscreen containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, which physically blocks UVA and UVB rays. Apply generously with an SPF of 30 or higher, reapplying every two hours if out in the sun, and every 80 minutes if swimming or sweating excessively. The correct amount to apply is equivalent of one teaspoon for the face, one for the chest/abdomen, one for the back, one for each arm, and two for each leg,” Dr Braghiroli said.

“Also, wear protective clothing like lightweight long sleeves, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Seek shade when possible,” she added.

Genetics and family history also play an important role, as having three or more first-degree relatives diagnosed with melanoma puts you at higher risk of skin cancer. Another risk factor is having many moles (more than 50) and scars from previous wounds. Additionally, individuals who have HPV, smoke, or are immuno-suppressed, are also at greater risk for developing skin cancer.

“Everyone should take sun-safe precautions, perform regular self-exams, be aware of both sun-related and genetic risk factors, and quickly address any suspicious spots or sores with a doctor. Be proactive about prevention and early detection, to reduce your skin cancer risk,” Dr Braghiroli said.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com

SOURCE: World Health Organization, Baptist Health’s Miami Cancer Institute