Skin cancer: understanding skin health and preventing skin cancer

Skin cancer: understanding skin health and preventing skin cancer Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and with increasing global UV radiation, lifestyle changes and skin care awareness, more and more attention is being paid to skin cancer prevention. The causes of skin cancer are complex and involve a number of factors, including genetic, environmental, lifestyle, etc. Understanding these morbidity factors helps us to take scientifically effective measures to reduce the risk of skin cancer and protect skin health.What’s skin cancer? Skin cancer is a malignant tumour from skin cells, usually occurring in the skin’s skin cortex. Skin cancer can be classified into three main types by cell type of origin:Base cell cancer: The most common skin cancer, usually slow-growing and local infestation, is less likely to be transported.Specular cancer: This type of skin cancer is more intrusive than base cell cancer and can easily spread to other parts of the body.Melanoma: The most dangerous type of skin cancer, usually occurring in cells containing melanone. Black tumours grow rapidly and are easily transferable, the leading cause of death associated with skin cancer. The occurrence of skin cancer is often closely related to external environmental factors and the genetic background of individuals. While skin cancer is preventable, many skin cancers can be cured if early symptoms are detected and treated in a timely manner.Main morbidity factors for skin cancer1. UV Ultraviolet radiation is the most important contributing factor to skin cancer. Ultraviolet light is an invisible radiation in solar light, which penetrates the skin, triggers DNA damage to skin cells and leads to gene mutation. Long periods of exposure to UV, especially where sunlight is strong, increase the risk of skin cancer.There are two types of ultraviolet light:• UVA (long wave UV): UVA is able to penetrate into the skin ‘ s real cortex, causing skin ageing, wrinkles and coloring to sink. Long-term UVA exposure increases the risk of skin cancer.• UVB (short wave UV): The UVB is primarily active in skin skin skin cortex, causing sun damage and increasing DNA damage to skin cells, which is an important factor in skin cancer. Thus, long-term exposure to strong sunlight, especially during noon hours, increases the risk of skin cancer. There is also a higher risk of skin cancer among those who perform such activities as sun, swimming and tan.Skin type and genetic factors Skin types and the genetic background of individuals are also important factors in skin cancer. People with light skin, blue eyes or green, blond or red hair, usually contain less melanin (skin colour) and their skin is more vulnerable to UV damage and thus more likely to develop into skin cancer. The role of melanone is to absorb ultraviolet light and prevent DNA damage to skin cells.In addition, there are groups with a history of skin cancer in the family with a higher risk of disease. This is because genetic factors may affect the resilience of skin to ultraviolet light and the ability of skin cells to repair. Certain gene mutations (e.g. those associated with DNA recovery) may increase the risk of skin cancer by making individuals more vulnerable to genetic damage at UV exposure.3. Declining immune system functionality The immune system plays a crucial role in identifying and eliminating cancer cells. If the immune system is reduced, the body loses its ability to remove abnormal cells (e.g., cancer mutagenic cells), increasing the risk of skin cancer. Patients with immunosuppression (e.g., groups requiring long-term administration of immunosuppressants after organ transplants) tend to develop into skin cancer, especially scabular and substrate cell cancer.In addition, some skin diseases (e.g. AIDS) may cause damage to the immune system and increase the risk of skin cancer.4. Poor living habits The effects of living habits on the occurrence of skin cancer are not negligible, especially as follows:• Smoking: Tobacco use is not only harmful to the health of the lungs but can also increase the risk of skin cancer. Studies have shown that smokers are significantly more at risk than non-smokers for carcinoma.Drinking alcohol: Long-term large-scale drinking of alcohol may also increase the risk of skin cancer, especially when combined with ultraviolet light exposure, exacerbates damage to skin cells.Insanitary diets: diets lacking vitamins and minerals may reduce the repair function of the skin and increase the incidence of skin cancer.5. Skin damage and infections Long and repeated skin injuries (e.g. burns, wounds) can cause cell mutation and increase the likelihood of skin cancer. The infection may also be associated to some extent with the development of skin cancer. For example, certain viral infections (e.g. human papilloma virus HPV) may be associated with skin cancer, especially scabie-cell cancer.6. Age and gender The incidence of skin cancer is positive in relation to age and the risk of skin cancer increases with age. This is because, as age increases, the ability to repair skin cells decreases and long-accumulated UV damage is prone to cancer. Gender is also an important factor. Men are more likely than women to suffer from skin cancer, especially among older persons, with a higher incidence among men. This may be related to male exposure to more outdoor activities and UV radiation.How to prevent skin cancer? Although the incidence of skin cancer is complex, we can reduce its risk by:1. Avoid over-exposure to sunlight: avoid exposure to sunlight for long periods of time during the strongest periods of UV (e.g. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and try to choose the shade when going out.2. Use sunscreen: Every time you go out, use suitable sunscreen, especially in days of strong sunlight. Select sunscreens with high sun-proof index (SPF 30 and above) and periodically refill them.3. In protective clothing: wear UV-resistant clothing, such as broad-side caps, long-sleeved clothing and sunglasses, to reduce UV-related skin damage.4. Periodic skin examination: periodic self-checking of skin changes and timely medical treatment in case of abnormal moles or swellings.5. Stop smoking and drink, and maintain a healthy lifestyle: quit smoking, limit alcohol and maintain a healthy diet and enhance the functioning of the immune system.Summary Skin cancer can be caused by a variety of factors, including ultraviolet radiation, genetic factors, reduced functioning of the immune system and poor living habits. By understanding these factors, we can take appropriate precautions to reduce the risk of skin cancer. The protection of skin and the maintenance of a healthy life are effective in preventing skin cancer in everyday life. Skin tumours