The Most Common Types Of Skin Cancer

skin cancer

It is one of the most famous diseases that affect humans in particular and the animal kingdom in general.

  • The common types of skin cancer are:

  • Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  •  These types of cancer in terms of the high prevalence of melanoma, "melanocyte cancer" that begins in melanocytes.
  •  There are also other rare types of skin cancer, such as those that originate in the sweat glands.

Where are the largest rates of skin cancer?

  • Australia ranks first in terms of the high rate of skin cancer in the world, with one in two individuals who spent their lives in Australia infected with one of the types of skin cancer due to direct exposure to ultraviolet radiation emitted from the sun or from other sources such as sunbeds in the solar stone - which is.
  •  UV rays cannot be seen or felt but lead to sunburn, premature aging of the skin, accumulation of skin damage over time, and skin cancer as well.

 What are the ages in which skin cancer is most common?

  • Although skin cancer appears mostly in older adults, skin damage begins at an early stage due to exposure to ultraviolet rays, especially sunburn. Recent research indicates that cells are most often damaged in childhood, but sun exposure in adulthood stimulates healthy cells to become cancerous cells.

Who is the group at risk of skin cancer?

  • In fact, anyone exposed to skin cancer, however, the risk of developing cancer increases with the appearance of lumps (moles) in the human body.
  •  Not protecting the skin from sun exposure.
  •  When spending a long time in the sun (for example, working in outdoor conditions).
  •  The presence of a personal or genetic predisposition to melanoma.
  •  Or in the case of frequent but intense exposure to sunlight (for example on holidays or during recreational activities), especially if it leads to sunburn.
  •  The skin is thin, which causes it to burn quickly or develop freckles, but it does not acquire poison.
  •  The infection also increases in the case of people with red or blonde hair or people with blue or green eyes; and the injury to the skin with sunspots or moles caused by tissue defects.
  •  Immune system dysfunction.
  • Individuals with dark or red skin have a greater ability to prevent skin cancer due to the greater melanin produced by their pigment cells compared to individuals with blonde skin; however, due to the strength of ultraviolet radiation in Australia, people with brown and red skin still need to protect their skin as well.

how to prevent skin cancer?

  • The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect the skin from the sun, which is achieved when knowing the UV index that shows the intensity of sunlight.
  •  When the indicator is 3 (average) or higher, the sun's rate is high or sufficient to harm the skin, and therefore Sun protection is essential. Stay away from sunlight from 11 am to 3 pm during daylight saving time (and from 10 am to 2 pm winter time) when sunlight is at its strongest. During those hours, more than 60% of UV rays reach the surface of the earth, so if you are walking on the street, try to resort to tree shade, parasols, buildings or any umbrella;
  • Remember that this type of UV radiation has the ability to reflect as it bounces off surfaces such as concrete, water, and sand, causing solar burning even if you think you are protected from it.
  •  Taking into account walking in the shade, it is necessary to wear clothes that cover the largest part of the body, especially the back of the neck; and choose clothes with close tissue because they provide the maximum protection.
  •  Wear hats that shade the face, neck, neck, and ear.
  • Use sunscreen with SPF 30+ that is broad-spectrum and waterproof, regardless of your skin type.
  • Use the cream 20 minutes before going out, to be reused every two hours, or after leaving the pool or any activity that causes sweat or removal of the cream.
  •  Protect your eyes with sunglasses that comply with Australian AS 1067 standard (check the tag on glasses); face-to-face models are preferred.
  •  Please also pay attention to protecting young children and babies against sun exposure with umbrellas, parasols, clothing, and hats that protect them.
  • Use sun protection creams SPF30 +, as necessary, on areas that cannot be protected, such as the face and the back of the hands.
  • do not use solar beds to acquire tanning or solar lights, which emit ultraviolet radiation, which increases the risk of skin cancer. 
external references:
  • cancer/understanding-cancer-basics
  • cancerconcil