WHAT IS SKIN CANCER?
Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It occurs when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells (most often caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine) triggers mutations, or genetic defects, that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumours.
WHAT ARE THE RISK OF SKIN CANCER?
The risks of skin cancer include:
- Skin cancer comes from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, including sunlight, and sunlamps. The greater the exposure, the greater the risk.
- Although skin cancer risk increases as you age, melanoma is one of the most common cancers in young adults, especially women. People who have had at least one severe (blistering) sunburn as a child, or used sunlamps or tanning beds before age 30, also have an increased risk.
- Family history of skin cancer.
- A personal history of skin cancer.
- Exposure to the sun through work and play.
- Certain types and a large number of moles.
- Weakened immune system
- Radiation
- Scientists have found that certain people are more likely than others to develop skin cancer after sun exposure. In these people, certain parts of the normal cells are more sensitive to being damaged by sunlight.
HOW TO PREVENT SKIN CANCER?
Some ways to prevent cancer are:
- Apply one ounce (two tablespoons) of sunscreen to all exposed areas 30 minutes before outdoor activities. Cover areas like the back of the ears and neck, and the tops of the feet and hands. If you are bald, applying it to your scalp is also important. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. It’s also important to remember that sunscreen should be used on babies over the age of six months.
- The sun’s UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you work outdoors, tightly woven clothes provide the best sun protection. Sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats and hats with material that covers the back of the neck also help protect sensitive skin on the neck, face and around the eyes.
- Regular, thorough skin examinations are important, especially if you have a large number of moles or other blemishes. While this will not prevent skin cancer from developing, exams can help detect the disease in the early stages. Always tell your doctor if you see any new, unusual or changing moles or growths on your skin, and it’s a good idea to have a professional skin exam at least once a year.
WHY KIMS?
KIMS, one of the best cancer treatment hospitals in Hyderabad, is dedicated to providing comprehensive, innovative care to patients with all types of skin diseases, skin lesions, as well as skin cancer. Our multidisciplinary team consists of the best skin cancer specialist hospitals in Hyderabad in medical oncology, surgical oncology, dermatopathology, dermatology, podiatry, and social work. Our best skin cancer treatment doctors in Hyderabad are dedicated to provide high- quality, empathetic care for each of our patients and their families.