The good habits to adopt to prevent skin cancer

The skin is a barrier that plays an essential role in protecting us from external aggressors, such as bacteria, viruses, pollutants and ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun.  

However, it’s a vulnerable part of the body, and we tend to forget to give it the attention it deserves, which can lead to skin conditions ranging from minor to serious, including skin cancer.  

Although the different types of skin cancers are increasing in number, this disease can be effectively prevented and treated through early detection and appropriate protective measures.   

Different types of skin cancer

There are several types of skin cancer:  

  • Basal cell carcinoma: This is the most common type of skin cancer. It tends to develop on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face and neck. It usually looks like an open sore, red patch, shiny bump, scar or growth with slightly elevated and rolled edges and/or a central indentation. This type of cancer develops slowly, rarely spreading to other parts of the body, and can be successfully treated if detected early.  
  • Squamous cell carcinoma: This is the second most common type of cancer. It often manifests itself as red, scaly patches, open sores, rough, thickened skin, a raised growth or a change in the appearance of an existing mole. It can develop on areas exposed to the sun, as well as on mucous membranes. This type of cancer can spread to other parts of the body if not treated quickly.   
  • Melanoma: This is the most aggressive type of skin cancer. Melanoma most often appears as a dark brown or black spot on the skin. The “ABCDE rule” can help you recognise the warning signs of melanoma:   
      • Asymmetry: the mole has an irregular shape, neither round nor oval, and an uneven surface;  
      • Borders: the borders are irregular and poorly defined;  
      • Colour: it comes in several colours (black, blue, brown, red or white);  
      • Diameter: it is large (over 6 mm);  
      • Expansion: it expands and develops, changing in thickness and colour.  

     

Melanomas can spread rapidly to other parts of the body, but they are often treatable if spotted early.  

  •  Other types of skin cancer: There are other, rarer types of skin cancer that can be aggressive:  
  •  Merkel cell carcinoma, which may appear as a firm and raised red, purple or blue mass that is usually painless.  
  •  Kaposi’s sarcoma, which causes multiple flat pink, red or purple spots or papules (solid, raised, dried up skin wounds) on the skin.  

 

 

Detecting skin cancer: what are the signs to look out for?

Skin cancers are not always noticeable at first glance. Here are some warning signs to look out for:  

  • A mole that changes in appearance (shape, colour, size); 
    • A wound that does not heal; 
    • A spot that bleeds, itches or becomes painful; 
    • An area of skin that thickens or becomes discoloured.  

 

The best way to get tested: Carry out regular self-checks, and, above all, consult a healthcare professional (GP, dermatologist) to establish a reliable and accurate diagnosis.     

 

Prevention: what you can do to protect your skin

It is possible to prevent a large number of skin cancers by adopting simple habits, feasible for everyone:  

  • Have your skin checked regularly, especially if it is fair and/or if you have a family history of skin conditions or have undergone prolonged sun exposure.  
  • Protect your children from the sun from a young age.  
  • Limit all sun exposure, especially between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m., when UV rays are the most intense.  
  • Avoid using ultraviolet (UV) tanning beds.  
    • Wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses with UV filters.  
    • Use a high-factor sun cream on all exposed areas and reapply regularly, particularly after swimming or during excessive sweating. Don’t forget to apply sun cream to areas that are often forgotten, such as the ears, nape, neck, hands or top of the feet. 

 

Taking care of your skin is all about prevention and staying alert. A few simple habits, applied regularly, can truly make a difference. Protecting yourself from the sun, learning to spot the warning signs and seeking immediate medical advice, if in doubt, are all essential habits.