Skin cancer is on the rise across Europe. It is now a major public health concern. One in three cancers diagnosed is skin cancer. In fact, there are between 2 and 3 million cases of skin cancer worldwide each year. Several epidemiological studies establish the relationship between the incidence of malignant melanoma and burns, especially at an early age.
Specifically, in Spain, some 3,200 new cases of skin cancer are currently detected each year. That is why dermatological experts recommend regular check-ups, because with an early diagnosis of the tumor, up to 95% of skin cancers can be solved. Specifically, melanoma, which is one of the most common types of skin cancer, has an incidence in Spain of five cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
Advice
– Use the appropriate sunscreen for our skin type, at least factor 30, and apply it every 15-20 minutes during sun exposure.
– After each swim, whether at the beach or in the pool, reapply sunscreen, even if it is water resistant.
– Avoid sun exposure between 12h and 16h.
– Wear a hat and T-shirt when doing outdoor activities.
Our Top Doctors experts talk about skin cancer
It is getting warmer and warmer and summer is getting closer and closer. We walk down the street in tank tops, unconcerned about the possible effects of the sun’s rays. The specialist in Aesthetic Medicine, Dr. Natalia Ribé explains the steps to prepare our skin for the days at the beach to avoid future skin problems.
Dr. Natalia Ribé Pablo Umbert Millet, an expert in melanomas, points out that there are great advances in the diagnosis of skin cancer. He stresses that prevention is important in order to eliminate risk factors, especially aggressive and intermittent sun exposure during vacations and the use of solar cabins.
Dr. Eulalia Baselga Torres, a dermatologist who is an expert in the treatment of skin cancer, states that “the recommended photoprotection will depend on the type of skin: fair skins that never tan need a higher protection index than dark skins”. And he affirms that currently “the minimum protection index recommended is 30”.
The expert dermatologist Dr. Joan Ramón Garcés also recommends adequate sun protection, but adds sun diet as a measure to prevent the appearance of skin cancer.
On this World Skin Cancer Day, specialists remind us that prevention and early diagnosis are the best way to find the tumor in its initial stages and, therefore, the best way to eliminate it. In addition, they warn that any spot or mole that has an asymmetrical shape, bleeds or spreads should be treated by a specialist.