One of the great advantages of the Mediterranean climate is being able to enjoy a clear sky with a radiant sun, especially in summer. However, although sunlight is essential for health and well-being, the risk of unprotected exposure, which can lead to skin cancer, should not be overlooked. This type is much more common than is usually thought. In fact, in Spain 300 cases are diagnosed per 100,000 inhabitants per year. There are various risk factors that we must take into account to know if we have a greater or lesser chance of developing skin cancer.
One of them is skin type. People with white skin are twenty times more likely to develop it than those with black skin, since this second group produces higher quality melanin that protects them more from ultraviolet radiation, although excessive exposure can be just as harmful. Dr. Susana Puig, head of the Dermatology service at Hospital Clínic Barcelona, warns: “Someone who does not tan and only turns red should not be exposed to the sun.” Ultraviolet radiation, whether from the sun or UVA lamps, is another determining factor that can cause skin cancer. Repeated and severe sunburns must be avoided at all costs, especially in the first years of life.
A single second-degree burn in childhood increases the risk of skin cancer and melanoma in adulthood
“A single second-degree burn in childhood already increases the risk of skin cancer and melanoma in adulthood,” explains Dr. Puig. Dr. Josep Malvehy, dermatologist at Hospital Clínic, adds: “We are talking about a first-degree burn when your skin turns red and stings. But when you already fight and it goes further, it is a second degree.” Family history is also a determining factor, as 10% of melanoma cases are hereditary. Other risk factors are genetic mutations in skin cells or a malfunctioning immune system. Finally, people with a large number of moles have a higher risk of developing melanoma.
Apart from causing skin cancer, overexposure to the sun can lead to other problems, such as an alteration in the elasticity and texture of the skin, eye damage and cataracts, or also affect the immune system. The only way to fully protect yourself is to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, being in the shade or going out early or late in the day. Dr. Puig is very clear: “We should not be on the beach at 12 noon. Protection is always last. The first thing is the time change. The second thing is the use of appropriate clothing such as hats or sunglasses. And the third thing, when there is no other choice and I have to be exposed during the hours that could harm me, is to use photoprotection,” he emphasizes.
Skin cancer occurs in the form of malignant tumors. The main types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and other less common tumors. The advantage over other cancers is that these tumors are external. They manifest as suspicious-looking spots or freckles. If they are detected at the beginning, the affected person can be cured with a simple surgery.
The 3D total body image that we incorporate at the Hospital Clínic will allow us to investigate diagnostic techniques based on artificial intelligence
The technology to assess and detect injuries in patients has improved and is making great strides, with robots applying computer vision tools. Dr. Malvehy interprets it: “The total 3D body image that we now incorporate at the Hospital Clínic will allow us to investigate diagnostic techniques based on artificial intelligence.” According to the doctor, these microscopy techniques will improve the early diagnosis of patients at risk of melanoma and skin cancer. Therefore, although outdoor activity is necessary to have a healthy lifestyle, it must be adapted to the climatic conditions of each time of year and time of day. Despite there being skins that are more adapted to solar radiation than others, all skins must be protected to avoid developing cancer.
#sunbathe #safely
