Skin cancer is a condition in which skin cells grow out of control. The risk of skin cancer is related to exposure to sunlight, history of sunburn, genetics, family history of skin cancer…
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. There are also some other less common forms such as kaposi sarcoma or Merkel cell carcinoma.
Skin cancer has genetic factors. If you have a relative (father, mother, brother, sister) who has had skin cancer or has a disease related to the development of this type of cancer including Gorlin syndrome, ocular albinism, fanconi anemia, dry skin pigmentation, the risk will be higher.
People who carry skin cancer genes have a higher risk of developing melanoma. DNA changes in tumor suppressor genes, such as BAP1 and CDKN2A, may increase the risk of melanoma skin cancer.
Oncology doctors examine patients. Illustration photo: Tam Anh General Hospital
You belong to a family history group with someone who has had skin cancer and are regularly exposed to the sun, so your risk is higher. You should have regular check-ups and skin cancer screenings every year and have a treatment plan at an early stage (if any), to help increase your chances of curing the disease.
In addition, apply some skin cancer prevention measures to reduce the risk of getting the disease, including using broad-spectrum sunscreen, with an SPF index of 30 or higher, and applying sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside. minutes and should be repeated every two hours. Limiting sun exposure between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (when UV rays are strongest during the day), covering your body with clothes and sunglasses before going out… also prevents skin cancer.
If you detect unusual skin lesions, go to a hospital specializing in Oncology or Dermatology to be promptly diagnosed and treated by a doctor.