What is skin cancer and how can you prevent it

JAKARTA (JP): Skin cancer is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the outer layers of the skin.

The skin has two main layers and several kinds of cells. The top layer of skin, the epidermis, contains three kinds of cells. There are flat, scaly cells on the surface called squamous; round cells called basal cells; and melanocytes, which give the skin its color.

Melanoma occurs when malignant cells creep into the melanocytes, the cells that color the skin. Melanocytes are found in the epidermis and contain melanin, which gives the skin its color. Melanoma is often called cutaneous melanoma or malignant melanoma.

Skin cancer can look many different ways. The most common sign is a change on the skin such as a growth or a sore that will not heal. Sometime there is a small lump. This can be smooth, shiny and waxy looking or it can be red or reddish-brown. Skin cancer can also appear as a flat red spot that is rough or scaly.

Melanoma can also appear on the body as a new mole. Men most often get it on the back, head or neck and women on the arms and legs. The ears, often overlooked when people slap on sunscreen, is a particular danger zone.

Melanoma can appear anywhere on the skin of non-Caucasians but in about half the cases, it appears on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, nailbeds or mucous membranes (inner eyelids, nose, mouth, anus and genitalia), usually as a new or changing black spot or a pink or red patch.

All skin cancer, like the epithelial, basal and squamous can be cured at least 98 percent of the time, including melanoma, if removed at an early stage of development. Currently, 94 percent of people whose melanoma shows no sign of spreading at the time of diagnosis are without signs of cancer five years later. Timely detection and surgical excision of melanoma usually result in a cure.

The denial of a problem is seen as the greatest enemy. Of course, not all changes in the skin are cancer but any doubts over a strange growth anywhere on the skin ought to send one scurrying to the nearest dermatologist immediately.

Prevention is also important. The American Skin Cancer Foundation recommends several steps to help reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancer:

1. Minimize exposure to the sun at midday and between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

2. Apply sunscreen with an at least a SPF-15 content or higher to all areas of the body which are exposed to the sun.

3. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days. Reapply after swimming or perspiring.

4. Wear clothing that covers the body and shades the face. Hats provide shade to both the face and back of the neck.

5. Protect children from excessive sun exposure when the sun is strongest and apply sunscreen liberally and frequently to children six months of age and older.

However, unless specifically approved for the purpose, sunscreen should not be used on children under six months of age. (Mehru Jaffer)