Cancer prevention
Cancer prevention is extremely important to everyone’s health. In view of the fact that skin cancer can affect virtually anyone, preventive measures should be a habit, especially if you belong to a risk group. Risk factors are described in the section Skin cancer – types, symptoms and causes. Check if you are not at risk.
Skin cancer prevention step by step
Avoiding solarium and excessive sun exposure
Unfortunately, UV radiation from the sun and tanning lamps is one of the most common causes of skin cancer. You should avoid direct exposure to the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and apply a good quality, preferably mineral sunscreen SPF 50 at least half an hour before your planned sun exposure. Reapply every 2-3 hours. Keep in mind that the face is particularly vulnerable to UV rays because, unlike other parts of the body, it is exposed all year round. It is also advisable to avoid solarium. Remember that sunlight is emitted all year round, regardless of the weather, even in winter – children and people working outside are especially exposed to its harmful effects.
At home, we should also protect our skin with sunscreen, because studies show that UV radiation has the ability to penetrate glass. Moreover, studies show that the devices we use every day, such as televisions, computers, tablets, smartphones, emit high-energy blue radiation – HEV. This type of radiation is extremely dangerous to the health of our skin because it penetrates deeper into the skin than UVA and UVB radiation. It can cause DNA damage to cells and, in extreme cases, even skin cancer. As a part of cancer prevention, we recommend using sunscreen not only on your face, but also on your neck and hands every day, not just before a planned walk.
Self-examination
Regular observation of nevus is another step in skin cancer prevention and should be done at least once a month. As you examine your body, pay particular attention to whether any new lesions have appeared on your skin and, if so, whether their appearance differs from existing ones. Disturbing signs of new and existing birthmarks include a change in size, shape, and color; uneven, jagged edges; and redness, itching, and pain. For self-examination, you can use a large mirror and a small mirror to view your body from behind. Don’t forget to check areas such as your scalp, the space between your fingers and toes, the bottoms of your feet, and your armpits. You may want to ask a loved one to look at areas that are not very visible. If you notice anything worrisome during your self-examination, see a dermatologist.
Follow-up visits to the dermatologist
Although the appearance of a new birthmark may not be an alarming symptom, it’s a good idea to make regular visits to an experienced dermatologist part of your examination schedule. Through the use of advanced technology, the physician and Patient can monitor the appearance of new nevi and skin lesions, as well as the growth of existing ones, in real time. Such possibilities are provided by FotoFinder – a modern hi-tech device that analyzes the entire skin surface creating a specific nevus map within minutes. FotoFinder Bodyscan software allows you to compare images and observe whether the lesions and nevi have undergone any disturbing changes. This enables extremely early diagnosis of potentially dangerous skin lesions. Regular examinations are recommended for all Patients, especially those who belong to the skin cancer risk group.
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