5 Easy Ways To Reduce The Risk Of Skin Cancer

Cancer is a scary disease that is invading our lives at a rapid rate. You may have heard about brain cancer, mouth cancer, etc., but skin cancer still remains out of attention. Surprisingly, every one in five cancer patients deals with some type of skin cancer. Around 5 million cases of skin cancer are treated every year. The number of people diagnosed with skin cancer is far higher than all the other types of cancer. Regardless, it is a critical ailment that can empty one’s pocket during treatment. Hence, it is smart to have a Bajaj Finserv health card to tackle the financial burden smoothly in adversity.

What is Skin Cancer?

In skin cancer, the cells of the skin grow abnormally. Usually, it occurs on the skin that is heavily exposed to the sun, such as the scalp, face, neck, ears, lips, chest, legs, and arms. But in rare cases, it can also happen in areas that are not exposed to the sun, such as folds of fingers, palms, and genital area. Skin cancer can affect people with all kinds of skin tones. In people with darker skin tones, skin cancer commonly occurs in regions hidden from the sun. There are quite a few types of skin cancer and depend on the cells involved.

What are the Cells involved in Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer affects the epidermis, i.e., the topmost layer. The epidermis is a thin protective layer of skin cells for your body, which is shed regularly. There are three types of cells in the epidermis.

Squamous Cells- These function as the inner lining of the skin and lie below the topmost layer.

Basal Cells- They are found beneath the squamous cells and are the production house for new skin cells.

Melanocytes- They are responsible for producing melanin that gives the skin its color. These lie in the lowest part of the epidermis. During excessive sun exposure, melanocytes produce extra melanin for protecting your skin.

What are the Main Types of Skin Cancer?

According to a dermatologist in Hyderabad, Mutations in the DNA of skin cells cause skin cancer. During mutation, the cells lose control and grow into a mass of cancer cells. The type of skin cancer depends on the kind of cells it affects.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

It affects the squamous cells and hence, the name. The symptoms involve flat lesions with scaly surfaces and red nodules. Squamous cell carcinoma is not life-threatening but can become acute if not treated on time.

Basal cell carcinoma

It is the most common type of skin cancer that affects basal cells of the epidermis. Areas of the body exposed to the sun are prone to get Basal cell carcinoma, such as the neck and face. A bumpy bleeding sore is the main giveaway.

Melanoma

It is the most hazardous type of skin cancer and causes many skin cancer deaths. Melanoma occurs in melanocytes, i.e., Pigment producing cells. It spreads faster than basal and squamous cell cancers.

What are the Ways of Preventing Skin Cancer?

As it is said, prevention is better than cure. Here are five easy ways that you can adopt to safeguard yourself from the emotional and financial burden of Skin cancer.

Avoid Sun During Peak Hours

Sun exposure is the primary cause of skin cancer. Avoid the sun as much as you can between 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Choose to stay indoors if you can; otherwise, look for shady areas. This can reduce the risk of skin cancer considerably.

Apply Sunscreen

Suppose you can not avoid sun exposure, then never forget about sun protection. Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and apply it thirty minutes prior to sun exposure. During the day, reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes.

Regular Screening

Get yourself checked by a dermatologist in Hyderabad regularly for skin cancer screening. Your doctor will examine areas out of your sight and evaluate any moles present or other abnormalities. Regular testing can help in removing tumors early.

Sun Safety Habits

Practices such as wearing sunglasses and wearing covering clothing are an excellent way to prevent getting a lot of sun. These become indispensable if your routine or job requires sun exposure. You can also wear hats or scarves and seek shade during outdoor activities.

Conclusion

Skin cancer is treatable if diagnosed early on by a dermatologist. You should immediately consult a doctor if you see an abnormal patch of skin with pain and itching. The key is being vigilant and limiting your exposure to the sun. The financial consequences of skin cancer can be horrifying. Hence, prepare yourself in advance with a Bajaj finserv health card for affordable treatment costs. The card also offers easy and quick EMI facilities in a wide range of hospitals. The bottom line is to take the largest organ of your body seriously and take care of it.