According to the Spanish Association of Dermatology (2024), skin cancer registrations have increased by 40% in the last four years, being more frequent in the 50-69 age group, and being more common in fair-skinned people.
Today, many people are still unaware of the risk factors and the best ways to protect themselves to prevent it, so in this blog we are going to give you some advice.
Types of skin cancer
Skin cancer starts in the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis, and can manifest itself in a variety of ways.
Although there are several types of skin cancer, the most common are:
- Basal cell carcinoma: This is the most common type and generally less aggressive. It usually appears in sun-exposed areas, such as the face and neck. It may present as a pearly or shiny lesion, a non-healing ulcer, or as a flat scar.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Appears on the outermost layers of the skin and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated in time. It appears as a red, scaly patch, a firm, rough nodule, or as an ulcer that crusts over.
- Melanoma: This is the most dangerous. It develops in the melanocytes (cells that produce skin pigment) and has a high probability of spreading to other organs.
It usually presents as a mole (benign lesions that form on the skin, both genetically and as a result of sun exposure), and although it usually appears in the areas most exposed to light, it can also appear in unusual places, such as under the nails (subungual melanoma), or on the soles of the feet.
As our dermatologist explained on Instagram, it is important to regularly self-examine your moles to prevent melanoma .
Risk factors to take into account to prevent skin cancer
- Excessive exposure to UV rays: either from the sun or from artificial sources, such as tanning beds. It is the main risk factor for skin cancer. Prolonged unprotected exposure significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer.
- Fair skin: anyone can develop skin cancer, but whiter people have a higher risk due to lower levels of melanin (skin pigment), which has a protective effect against UV rays.
- Many sunburns: people who have suffered severe sunburns, especially during childhood or adolescence, have a higher risk of developing skin cancer in adulthood. This is partly why it is said that the skin has a memory.
- Ageing: although it is developing at younger ages, it is more common in older people, probably due to the accumulation of sun damage over time.
- Genetics: if you have a close history of skin cancer, your risk of developing it is higher.
- Weak immune system: the immune system is responsible for fighting any external agent that can damage our body, so if it is weakened, the risk of developing skin cancer is higher.
If you have noticed the appearance of a new lesion, or modification of an existing one, it is important to visit your dermatologist to determine if it is a simple lesion or if it may require treatment.
