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Urgent
SKIN CANCER: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Skin cancer is the out-of-control growth of abnormal cells in the epidermis which is caused by unrepaired DNA damage that triggers mutations. These mutations multiply quickly and form malignant tumors.
Skin cancer often develops on skin exposed to the sun including your head, face, ears, neck, chest, arms, hands and legs. Sometimes skin cancer can also occur in areas that are rarely exposed to sunlight such as your palms, beneath your fingernails or toenails and your genital area.
Main types of skin cancer:
- Basal cell carcinoma: This is the most popular type of skin cancer. Every year more than 4 million cases of basal cell carcinoma are reported in the US.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: This is the second most popular type with more than 1 million cases reported every year.
- Melanoma: This type of cancer develops from melanocytes. Over 192,000 cases of this cancer are reported in the US each year. Even though this is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, it can be curable if patients are caught and treated early.
- Merkel cell carcinoma: This is a rare type of skin cancer. Around 2,500 cases are reported each year. People who have this skin cancer are at high risk of relapse and metastasis throughout the body.
Causes:
Two main causes that lead to skin cancer: intensive exposure to ultraviolet and tanning beds which seriously damage skin cells.
Risk factors
- Fair skin: a person with fair skin will have less melanin in his/her skin which provides less protection from damaging UV radiation than a person with dark skin.
- A history of sunburns
- Excessive sun exposure
- Living in sunny climate all year long
- Having many abnormal moles
- Precancerous skin lesions such as actinic keratosis
- A family history of skin cancer
- A weak immune system: People who take immunosuppressant drugs after an organ transplant and those who live with HIV/AIDS
- Exposure to radiation as a treatment for eczema and acne
- Exposure to dangerous substances such as arsenic
Prevention:
Most skin cancers can be prevented. To protect yourself, follow the tips below:
- Avoid the sun in the middle of the day (from 10am to 4pm)
- Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even on cloudy days.
- Cover your skin with hat, clothes and sunglasses that can protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.
Although skin cancer is one of the most common cancers, it can be caught at a precancerous stage before becoming a full-blown skin cancer or penetrated below the surface of the skin. Also, if the cancer is caught early, it can be curable.
Check your skin regularly. If you notice any abnormal changes on your skin such as moles or ulcers, talk to your doctor immediately for early diagnosis and treatment.
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For checkup and consultation at AIH:
☎️ Hotline: (028) 3910 9999
🌏 Website: www.aih.com.vn
📍 Address: 199 Nguyen Hoang street, An Phu Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh city.
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