In the National Skin Cancer Prevention Campaign, Ana de Pablo, a specialist and professor at the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and deputy head of the Dermatology Service at the Austral University Hospital, shares some key information about this disease and tips to keep in mind when preventing it.
These are lesions that appear on the skin, which are malignant, but encompass a group of tumors with different behaviors. Within this group are basal cell carcinoma, which grows slowly and is not life-threatening (representing approximately 75% of skin cancers); squamous cell carcinoma, which, in certain higher-risk locations, especially in the head and neck areas, can metastasize to regional lymph nodes (constituting around 15% of skin cancers); and melanoma, which, if not diagnosed in time, could metastasize to regional and distant lymph nodes (representing almost 5%).
In all these cases, the most frequent cause is exposure to ultraviolet radiation, the main source of which is the sun (including tanning beds). Other causes include exposure to ionizing radiation, chronic arsenic ingestion (from soil contamination), and genetic factors.
The most important preventative measure is education about exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV), or the sun, since the damage accumulates throughout life. Therefore, if sun exposure is unavoidable, it's best to avoid peak radiation hours (between 11 a.m. and 16 p.m.), seek shade, and wear protective clothing (a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves). Areas that cannot be protected in this way should be covered with broad-spectrum sunscreen (protecting both UVA and UVB rays, SPF 30 or higher). Ideally, sunscreen should be applied daily to areas of the body that are continuously exposed, such as the face, ears, neck, chest, and backs of the hands.
The initial, presumptive diagnosis is made through inspection during a clinical examination and is confirmed with a skin biopsy (where a sample is taken from the lesion for further analysis). It is a simple procedure, but it requires the patient to come in for a follow-up appointment, either as a routine check-up or if any warning signs appear: a new spot or mole (especially in adults), an existing spot or mole that changes (in shape, color, or size), that bleeds spontaneously, or that itches. If in doubt, it is best to consult a dermatologist.
Children should be protected from an early age to minimize cumulative damage, prevent sunburn (ranging from simple reddening to more severe forms like blisters), and avoid heatstroke. Infants under six months should not be exposed to direct sunlight. After that age, baby sunscreens can be used on areas that cannot be covered with clothing.
Sunscreens for children are predominantly made with inorganic filters, which can sometimes leave a white cast on the skin, and must be water and rub resistant. Reapplication is necessary every two hours or after prolonged swimming (in the sea or a pool).
In addition to the above, it's important to remember that sunscreen creams, lotions, or sprays should be applied 20-30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours if you remain exposed, are sweating excessively, or have prolonged contact with water. Sunscreen should not be used for sunbathing, but rather to protect your skin when you are exposed to the sun and don't have other protective measures in place.
Tanning is the skin's response to UV damage: if there's color, there's damage, so it's crucial to try to reduce the number of hours of exposure and completely avoid using tanning beds. It's also advisable to do outdoor activities when the radiation intensity is lower: early in the morning and after 4 p.m.
Source: Telam
