When the weather is nice, many people are happy to be able to expose themselves to the first rays of the sun. However, behind this enthusiasm lies a worrying reality for health. Indeed, more than 85% of skin cancers are caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays. Despite the positive association between the sun and well-being, this situation highlights a significant risk, highlighting the need to understand the subtleties of skin cancers and adopt informed prevention practices.
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancers are divided into two broad categories: carcinomas and melanomas . Carcinomas, which account for about 90% of all skin cancers, are mainly classified as basal cell carcinomas (about 70%) and squamous cell carcinomas (about 20%). These types of cancers are more common in people over the age of 50 and often develop on parts of the body that are chronically and excessively exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, shoulders, forearms, and legs.
In contrast, melanomas, although less common, are considered the most serious of skin cancers. They can appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp, and are more common on the trunk in men and the legs in women.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays remains the main risk factor for skin cancer. Excessive exposure to UV rays can damage skin cells, leading to sometimes irreversible damage.
People at risk
Certain characteristics can increase vulnerability to skin cancer. These include:
- Light skin (difficult to tan), with blond or red hair.
- The presence of numerous freckles or moles (more than 40).
- A family history of melanoma.
- The presence of large and irregular moles larger than 5 mm.
- A personal history of severe sunburn (during childhood or adolescence).
- Certain lifestyles: living for a long time in a region with high sun exposure or leading a lifestyle involving intense and prolonged sun exposure, for example.
In these circumstances, the treating physician or dermatologist may recommend closer monitoring, appropriate to the level of risk.
Screening: the key to prevention
Regarding skin cancer screening in France, there is currently no organized program similar to that in place for breast cancer. Thus, early detection depends mainly on the initiative of the treating physician or their own vigilance (spotting a potentially suspicious lesion). It is therefore crucial to regularly monitor the condition of your skin , especially if there is a high level of risk of skin cancer. This monitoring involves a careful examination from head to toe, front and back, paying attention to less visible areas where a melanoma could be hidden. It is recommended to perform a self-examination approximately every three months.
If in doubt, it is essential to consult your GP or a dermatologist and discuss the issue of skin cancer screening with them.
Normal or worrying mole?
It is important to know how to distinguish a normal mole from a potentially abnormal one. As a general rule, any mole that looks "different from the others" deserves special attention . Specifically, any mole that is asymmetrical, has irregular edges, is not uniform in color, or has a rapid change in size, shape, diameter, color, or thickness requires medical attention. Similarly, any persistent or spreading wound, pimple, or scab should also be sought medical attention.
Early detection plays a crucial role in the effective treatment of skin cancers, especially cutaneous melanoma.
5 misconceptions about skin cancer
1. Skin cancer is always curable.
The common misconception that skin cancers are easily curable requires clarification. It is true that these types of cancers such as carcinomas often have a favorable prognosis. However, it is crucial not to generalize this statement to all skin cancers. Indeed, melanoma, the most serious type, kills nearly 2,000 people each year. Cure depends greatly on the type of cancer, the stage of discovery, and the time elapsed before treatment begins. Although melanomas detected early at an early stage have a significantly high survival rate, late diagnosis can compromise the effectiveness of available treatments . Note that carcinomas can nevertheless recur.
2. To prevent skin cancer, it is best not to expose yourself to the sun at all.
Total sun avoidance is not the right approach to prevent skin cancer. Moderate and protected sun exposure is essential for the synthesis of vitamin D , which is necessary for bone health. However, it is recommended to avoid tanning beds.
3. Skin cancer can only develop from a certain age
Although the risk of skin cancer increases with age due to the accumulation of sun exposure over time, it is essential to understand that skin cancer can develop at any age, including in young people . This is because factors such as excessive unprotected sun exposure, a family history of skin cancer, and other genetic factors can increase the risk at any age.
4. Black or mixed-race people are not at risk of skin cancer
Although people with darker skin naturally have increased protection against UV damage due to the melanin in their skin, they are not immune to skin cancer . Skin cancers, although less common in people with darker skin, can still develop, especially in areas that are less pigmented or frequently exposed to the sun. Sun protection practices and monitoring of skin changes should also be practiced.
5. The screening that the dermatologist performs is painful
The screening performed by the dermatologist is a simple and painless procedure . In practice, it consists of a complete visual examination of the skin in order to detect any spots or moles that could raise suspicions of cancer. The dermatologist can use a dermoscope, a kind of illuminating and highly magnifying glass, which allows observation through the first layer of the epidermis. If there are many moles, he can also photograph them for a more in-depth evaluation.
In short, adopting reasonable exposure to the sun remains fundamental to prevent the majority of skin cancers. In addition to sun protection, regular screening practices prove to be essential tools in the preventive fight. Cultivating a careful awareness of skin changes, regularly consulting a professional and promoting healthy habits contribute significantly to reducing risks.
References:
National Cancer Institute. (Updated July 5, 2023). What is skin cancer?
Public Health France. (Updated July 27, 2023). Skin cancers.
The League Against Cancer. (March 2009). Skin cancers.
