Sun Sense: Protecting Yourself from Rising Skin Cancer Rates in the UK

Skin cancer is considered as one of the most common types of cancer in the UK, and the rise in rates of patients is the biggest concern. While all this might sound horrifying and alarming as cancer is the most rapidly spreading disease, there is positive news too. Early detection and following prevention measures can considerably reduce the risk of this life threatening disease. Let’s dig in a bit deeper in this article and learn the reason behind skin cancer, how to identify it, treatment and prevention.

Why is Skin Cancer Increasing?

There are many factors that lead to a rise in skin cancer rates. Our obsession with tanned bodies and all sunny holidays plays a crucial role in this. Where the world is going crazy behind tanned bodies one needs to understand that tanning is actually a sign of damaged skin. The damage is caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiations, found in sunlight and sunbeds. If the skin is overexposed to UV rays it actually disrupts the DNA in skin cells, which potentially leads to cancerous mutations.

Spotting the Signs: How to Identify Skin Cancer

The positive part is that most skin cancers have high chances of treatment if detected at an early stage. Here are few things that can help:

     Changes in existing moles: Keep an eye on the moles in your body, if any mole changes in size, shape or color it is an alarming sign for you. Even if you notice a new mole in your body make sure to consult your doctor. Remember the ABCDE rule for this:

Asymmetry: Most of the mole doesn’t match each other.

Border: The edges of the moles are blurred and irregular.

Color: With the shades of brown, black , pink, red, or white, the mole has uneven coloring.

Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimeters that is about the size of a pencil eraser.

Evolving: The mole is changing in appearance.

Unusual Spots: Always keep examining your body and look out for any new spot apart from any injury that appears suspicious. These might look red, pearly, waxy or scaly. They can also bleed very easily.

Persistent sores: If you have a sore that is taking too much time to heal, don’t waste your time and visit your doctor.

If you notice any of these signs in your body, don’t panic. Neither hesitate just book an appointment with your general physician. Early detection and self awareness plays a crucial role in success of treatment for this disease.

Taking Action: Treatment Options for Skin Cancer

Treatment procedure and lineup totally depends upon the type and stage of skin cancer detected. Here is a basic overview of common approaches:

Surgery : This is the most common treatment for early stage patients. The surgeon removes the cancerous tissue with a margin of healthy surrounding skin.

Cryotherapy: In this procedure the doctor freezes the cancer cells with liquid nitrogen that completely destroys them. This procedure is often used for precancerous lesions or small basal cell carcinomas.

Mohs Surgery: In this specialized technique one layer of cancer cell is removed at a time, which ensures removal of all cancerous tissue while making sure to preserve the healthy tissues.

Topical Medication: Some cancers can be treated directly by only applying creams or ointments.

Radiotherapy: In case of larger tumors or in such cases where surgery isn’t suitable, High energy X- rays are used to kill the cancer cells.

Photodynamic therapy: In this procedure skin is exposed to a specific light source that destroys cancer cells after applying a light activated medication on the skin.

Always keep in mind, early detection is the key. The sooner your skin is diagnosed, the easier it will get to treat and it definitely increases the chances of full recovery.

Prevention is Key: Sun Safety Tips for Everyday Life

   Sun protection is your best defense against skin cancer. Here are some simple habits that you can incorporate into your daily routine:

Seek Shade: Whenever possible, avoid going out in the sun during peak hours. If you can’t avoid that make sure to take advantage of tree shade, shelters or umbrellas.

Slip, Slop, Slap: This catchy slogan reminds us of three key sun protection measures:

   Slip on a loose fitting, long-sleeved shirt or Tshirt and long pants whenever possible.

Slop on wide ranging protection sunscreen with minimum SPF 30 or higher is always good to all exposed body parts, and reapply every two hours or more often if sweating or swimming.

Slap on an oversized hat to protect your face, neck and ears.

Sunglasses: Invest in a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays that block UVA and UVB rays.

Beware of Reflective Surfaces: Sand, water and snow easily reflects UV rays, so sun protection is equally important even on cloudy days or near water.

Tanning beds:  These emit intense UV radiation and significantly increase your risk of skin cancer. Opt for safe alternatives like spray tans or self-tanners.

While skin cancer rates are on the rise in the UK, this really doesn’t have to be your story. By integrating these safety practices and self awareness in your daily routine, you can ensure the safety and protection of your skin’s health. Always remember early detection is key- don’t hesitate to visit and consult your doctor if you notice any suspicious moles or spots in your body. With self awareness and some simple healthy habits, you can enjoy the sunshine safely for the years to come.