skin cancer
Skin cancer, these are malignant dark spots on our skin that appear suddenly. Right?
Skin cancer has many faces. The best known is malignant melanoma, also known as black skin cancer. There are also basal cell and squamous cell or prickly cell carcinomas, the so-called white skin cancer. Merkel cell carcinoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and Kaposi's sarcoma are less common. Detected and treated at an early stage, the chances of a cure for all types of skin cancer are now quite high, emphasizes the German Cancer League in its brochure "Skin cancer".
Who is particularly at risk?
Genetics and our environment both influence how likely we are to develop cancer. People with fair skin, reddish or blond hair, lots of pigmentation and freckles are more at risk. If there is already cancer in the family, the risk increases further. Sunburns, especially in childhood and adolescence, also increase the likelihood. The risk of skin cancer increases two to three times. Those who additionally clog their skin with tanning beds not only increase the tan, but also the risk of tumor formation. There is an increased risk of developing skin cancer. And those whose immune system is weakened should avoid the sun as a matter of urgency.
In general, children and adolescents are at greater risk because their skin is still thin and has less callus. Athletes are also at risk because the film of sweat on the skin weakens the effectiveness of sun protection products.
The influence of UV radiation
Few people are aware that a large proportion of skin cancers, whole 75 percentwould be preventable if we properly deal with the effects of the sun on our bodies. Three quarters of all skin cancer cases are caused by UV radiation, and we can protect ourselves against this with sunscreen, sensible clothing and an awareness of when it is better to stay in the shade.
This is what happens when the sun hits our skin: UVA and UVB rays penetrate the layers of our skin, make them age and destroy them. In a little more detail: The rays attack the genetic material in our cells. This can be changed in such a way that individual cells continue to multiply even though they shouldn't - a tumor develops. To a certain extent, our body can detect these cells and render them harmless. But only to a certain extent.
Anyone who exposes themselves to an overdose of UV radiation is punished with sunburn. And that's not banal. The skin swells, reddens, burns. Bubbles form. If you still do not pull the emergency brake, you risk that your skin will die off.
Detect skin cancer
Therefore, not only self-protection should be part of everyday life. Everyone can quickly and easily check for themselves whether the skin has changed. Skin cancer can be seen and felt, and most forms can be detected early. Look for changes, spots that appear suddenly, thickening, discoloration or lumps.
The German Cancer League names six signals to look out for:
- One pigment mark is significantly darker than all the others - colored brown-black or black. It clearly stands out from other pigmented paints.
- A pigment mark is irregular in shape and / or color.
- A pigment mark changes color, becomes lighter or darker.
- A pigment mark has already reached a diameter of 2 millimeters.
- After years of inactivity, a pigment mark suddenly grows visible again.
- You feel an existing or new pigment mark - for example because it burns, itches or even bleeds.
If you have any questions about skin cancer or see anything suspicious on your skin, talk to your dermatologist about it!
Further reading:
- Cancer League on skin cancer: https://www.krebshilfe.de/informieren/ueber-krebs/haeufige-krebsarten/hautkrebs/wie-entsteht-hautkrebs/
