Medically reviewed by Dr. Riaz Ali Shah.
May is that unforgiving month where you get a real-life feel of Afterlife hell in this life itself. This month brings you joy and a lot of sweat. The sun rays might make you feel good but that is only for a short amount of time. Exposure to the sun causes wrinkles, skin spots, and even skin cancer. Most skin cancers are caused by overexposure to the sun.
Skin cancer is the excess and uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It mainly happens when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells (most often due to sunshine) triggers mutations that cause the skin cells to multiply rapidly, therefore, forming malignant tumors.
The Major Types of Skin Cancer
Did you know that there was more than one type of skin cancer? Probably not, right? Well worry not as we are well versed in this and will educate you regarding the major types of skin cancer:
Basal-Cell Carcinoma
This is the most common type of cancer. It occurs most often on the areas that are exposed to the sun, especially the face and the area above the upper lip. The appearance of Basil-Cell Carcinoma is like a small round, flesh-colored pimple that doesn’t go away or a flesh-colored brown scar. This cancer doesn’t spread to other parts of the body and is treatable. If, however, someone misses to notice it then it can cause disfigurement.
Squamous-Cell Carcinoma
This is another common type of cancer that forms in the flat scale like squamous cells of the epidermis or a firm red nodule. It is caused by UV radiation due to sun rays and is typically found on the face, ears, lips, neck, mouth, hands, arms and back. However, unlike Basal-cell carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma can spread to other parts of the body. This skin cancer is much more dangerous than Basal cell Carcinoma and should be treated as soon as it is spotted.
Malignant Melanoma
Melanoma is the cancer of the melanocytes (melanin skin cells). This cancer can be a part of a pre-existing mole or develop as a new mole. It is curable if diagnosed early and treated. However, when it spreads, typically to the liver or lungs, it can be extremely difficult to cure. Melanoma signs include a large brownish spot with darker speckles, a mole that changes color or a painful lesion.
Here to share our ‘ZubaidaApa’ tips to avoid skin cancer
Yes, everyone applies sunscreen but is that all that you need to prevent skin cancer? No, you need to do much more than a tube of sunscreen. Here we are giving you some tips on how you can skin the skin cancer alive.
- Between 10am-4pm say goodbye to all of your outdoor games and stay inside.
- Avoid tanning and DO NOT use sunbeds
- Yes, it might be hot but cover yourself with extra clothing
- Reapply your sunscreen after ever 2-3 hours, because like everything sunscreen also wears out
- Be cautious near the sea or sand, as they reflect damaging rays of the sun which can increase chances of sunburn
- Check if your skin has gone through any change every month
- Consult a dermatologist every year
Memorize this “Sun is good for me but a lot of it can be harmful”. And repeat it to yourself every day before stepping out in the sun. Yes, the sunlight gets you Vitamin D but too much of it gives you a lot of other harmful stuff too. To prevent all of that, stay at home, and get out for some time only. Let your skin be the healthiest starting from today!
Guest Post Credits: Asma Qadri
