- He European Skin Cancer Prevention Day It will be celebrated tomorrow, June 13, and is proclaimed by the European Union.
- In In Spain, 6,000 new cases of cancer are registered every year of skin, which represents an increase of 7% annually.
- The main risk factor for skin cancer, melanoma or non-melanoma, is solar radiation, specifically ultraviolet (UV) radiation
The Malaga clinic of the Doctors Lopez has recalled the importance of following the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the prevention of skin cancer on the occasion of European Skin Cancer Prevention Day, proclaimed by the European Union, which will be held tomorrow, Thursday, June 13. He World Day aims to “inform and raise awareness among the population about the importance of preventing skin tumors.”
Skin cancer is the most common form of tumor worldwide, representing around 50% of all cases diagnosed each year on the planet. In Spain, more than 6,000 new cases are registered each year, increasing its incidence by around 7 percent annually. Currently, two types of skin cancer are distinguished: melanoma (5% of cases) and non-melanoma skin cancer (95% of cases), the latter group which includes, among others, basal cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. spinocellular.
The Dr. María del Carmen López, director of the Doctors Lopez Clinic, “melanoma only represents 5% of skin cancers, but it is the cause of 90% of deaths caused by skin cancer throughout the world,” who adds that “the risk is not living in a beach area itself, but rather overexposure to the sun, although on the beach, the accumulated radiation dose is higher. For this reason we have once again put value on a day as important as the European Skin Cancer Prevention Day and the recommendations of the WHO”.
Also add the Dr. Lopez that “the main risk factor for skin cancer is solar radiation, specifically ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Therefore, the risk of developing a skin tumor is higher in areas with more hours of sunshine, as demonstrated by the higher incidence of melanoma (three times higher) in the archipelagos and south of the peninsula compared to the rest of the country." "The best The way to prevent the development of skin cancer is to avoid sun exposure during the hours when the radiation is strongest, especially between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., and use appropriate sunscreens,” explains the director of the Doctors Lopez Clinic. It is important to take into account the concept of “comprehensive active prevention” where we will not only use high protection creams, which will be specific for each type of skin and lesion, since many have specific active ingredients incorporated, such as depigmentants against melasma; We will also use oral protector that contains antioxidants (cit C, vit E, vit B3, as well as polypodium leucotomos is a fern that grows in certain regions of Central and South America, rich in polyphenols, among others, to help neutralize free radicals.
In the prevention of skin cancer, the aesthetic doctor has a very important role since a prior diagnosis is always made of any pigmented lesion to carry out the appropriate treatment, and that is where precancerous and cancerous lesions can be detected.
The WHO recommends the following measures to protect yourself from excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
- Limit time spent in the midday sun.
- Prefer the shade.
- Wear protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat to protect your eyes, face and neck.
- Wear sunglasses with closed sides that provide 99% to 100% protection against ultraviolet A and B radiation.
- On areas of the skin that are not covered by clothing, spread liberally and frequently renew a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30+. Sunscreens should not be used to prolong time spent in the sun, and people who use them for tanning should be aware of the need to limit their time in the sun.
- Avoid tanning beds: the use of these devices before the age of 35 is accompanied by an increased 75% risk of malignant melanoma. Tanning beds and lamps should not be used unless under medical supervision. The WHO recommends prohibiting its use in those under 18 years of age.
- Protect babies and young children: Children should always be kept in the shade.
