Skin cancer is the most common form of all cancers.
Countries of southern Europe like Greece, with higher levels of ambient solar radiation have increased rates of melanoma.
More cases occur on the most sun-exposed parts of the body with fewer occurring on the least exposed.
There are three main types of skin cancer:
- Basal cell carcinoma.
- Squamous cell carcinoma.
- Malignant Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer.
What are the major risk factors for skin cancer?
- Excessive exposure to sunlight is harmful and can damage the skin even though you are covered up with sun-protective clothing and sunscreen products.
- Severe sunburns in the past.
- A large number of nevi.
- Pre-cancerous skin lesions.
- A positive family history of any skin cancer.
- Fair skinned people with light coloured hair and eyes.
- Exposure to environmental carcinogens (chemicals or substances that can lead to the development of cancer).
Treatment
Prevention is the best medicine.
- By regularly examining your body, you can detect any suspicious spot or changes in your skin. In this case, always consult your Dermatologist.
- Avoid sun exposure during peak radiation hours (11: 00-16: 00).
- Apply the suitable sunscreen for your skin type generously and reapply it often.
- By using a solarium (UVA) you may be putting yourself at greater risk of developing skin cancer.
- Babies and children are not exposed to direct sun during the daily sun protection times.