Beyond Origins the Discussion

Protecting From Skin Cancer And Sun Damage

June 3rd, 2008

How can something we love hurt us so much? That something is of course the sun. It can be confusing when doctors talk about the dangers of not getting enough sun, versus the dangers of getting too much sun. In fact, a study came out last year saying that people who worked indoors were more likely to develop skin cancer from artificial lighting. This year, a study claims that working the night shift can disrupt the circadian rhythm and natural melatonin production to increase the risk of cancer. While it may be confusing to cut through the research on sun damage, one thing is for sure: you’re playing with fire if you spend hours unprotected in the midday sun!

Sun damage isn’t just manifested in sunburns or blisters. There are other effects that are more subtle but just as dangerous in the long run. For instance, deep wrinkles, dryness, freckles, mottled pigmentation and skin transparency are a few symptoms of sun damage. A yellow discoloration, known as “sallowness”, Telagiectasias, known as the dilation of small blood vessels beneath the skin, or Elastosis, known as the damaging of the elastic tissue that causes lines and wrinkles are telltale signs that skin solutions should be sought. Worst case scenario, pre-cancerous lesions appear as a result of the skin’s diminished immune function, which may also lead to full-blown cancer.

Though breast cancer and lung cancer get all the media publicity, skin cancer caused by sun damage is the most predominant. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Ninety-five percent of all skin cancers are the basal cell and squamous cell types. Luckily, they are less serious and are very treatable if detected early. Seventy-five percent of all skin cancer deaths are a result of melanoma, which occurs when abnormal pigment cells (melanocytes) grow uncontrollably. What may start as skin cancer can spread to other organs and manifest itself as all sorts of cancerous mutations.

Skin cancer is usually detected via a biopsy, where the dermatologist takes a skin tissue sample and examines it beneath a microscope. Often times, the cancerous tissue can be removed and no other treatment is necessary. In some cases, basal cell or squamous cell cancer is treated by Mohs surgery, which cuts out chunks of the cancer. Electrodesiccation and curettage is a fancy name for the physical scraping away of the skin cancer cells, as well as electrosurgery to remove any trace of sun damage. Like any skin treatment, cryosurgery and laser therapy are both viable options. Drugs like Retinoids can also help restore a natural balance.

How do I lower the risks?

To minimize the risk of sun damage you should formulate a summer skincare plan in sunny weather for both you and your youngsters. Its a good idea to get yourself familiar with an introduction to sun protection and skin care techniques in general.

Entry Filed under: Cancer & Other Diseases