Skin cancer – protect and prevent

Warm rays of sunshine put you in a good mood and also give your body the vitamin D it needs.

Warm rays of sunshine put you in a good mood and also give your body the vitamin D it needs. This wouldn't work without the sun, but the sun can also be dangerous for people. Staying in the sun for too long or allowing too much sun exposure increases the risk of damage from UV rays - the skin can no longer perform its natural protective function properly. This leads to the typical cell changes that can lead to skin cancer.

The three main types of skin cancer

The scalp, face, lips and ears, but also the neck, arms, legs and décolleté are the areas that are exposed to sunlight, which is why skin cancer usually develops there. But depending on the type of cancer, skin cancer can also occur on parts of the body that rarely see daylight.

basal cell carcinoma (basalioma)
A flat, flesh-colored or brown, scar-like change in the skin, or a pearly, slightly shiny bump on the skin - this is how the so-called "basal cell carcinoma" usually appears, the most common type of skin cancer. It is generally easy to treat, usually occurs on areas of skin exposed to light, and does not metastasize to other organs. However, if the basal cell carcinoma is not removed, it continues to grow in the same place and can, for example, destroy the facial bones. Basal cell carcinoma also tends to recur, so regular follow-up checks are necessary.

squamous cell carcinoma
The skin cancer that usually occurs on areas of skin exposed to light, with firm, reddish nodules ("sun warts") or as flat skin changes with a scaly or crusty surface, is "spinalioma" - also called "squamous cell carcinoma". It has a good chance of being cured. However, this type of cancer can also grow very aggressively.

melanoma
Black skin cancer is much more dangerous than the other two white skin cancers, but is less common. Melanomas are found primarily in areas exposed to light, but also anywhere else on the body. They appear together with conspicuous, growing or bleeding moles or as new, usually dark-colored skin changes. Melanomas develop in the melanin-producing cells of the skin. The pigment melanin is responsible for skin tone, among other things.

The "ABCDE rule“ helps detect melanoma

A - asymmetry
       The spot is not symmetrical, round or oval.
B - limitation
       The spot is not sharply defined, but frayed.
C - Colour
       What is striking is the different color components in one spot, which can range from black/brown to white, red or even blue.
D - diameter
       Moles that are larger than 5 mm or have a hemispherical shape.
E - Development
      Any change in a mole or new skin lesion is suspicious
      (size, shape, color, raised area, or if the area itches, bleeds, or is easily injured).

What is the risk of skin cancer?

Light skin types have by far the highest risk of developing skin cancer.
But people with darker skin who are not prone to sunburn are also at risk and should protect themselves.

Here are some risk factors:

• Excessive UV light
  Anyone who exposes themselves to sunlight or artificial UV light (tanning beds, etc.) for too long increases their risk of skin cancer.
• Light skin type
  People with blonde or reddish hair who tend to get freckles or who burn easily lack natural protection against cell damage caused by UV radiation. There is a latent risk of skin cancer.
• Every sunburn counts
  Anyone who had severe sunburn, possibly even with blistering, as a child or teenager has an increased risk of developing skin cancer later in life as an adult.
• Mediterranean climate or mountain climate
  People who live in sunny countries or in the mountains are naturally more exposed to UV light. The UV radiation is more intense and stronger.
• Pigmented moles
  Anyone who has moles (nevi) or liver spots all over their body, or if one or more of them change, must expect an increased risk.
• skin cancer in the family
  If parents or siblings have already had skin cancer, all other family members should carry out particularly careful self-examinations for any changes.
• history of skin cancer
  Every skin cancer patient has an increased risk throughout their life, even if the skin cancer occurred a long time ago.
• Weak immune system
  People whose body's immune system is weakened by HIV/AIDS or by medication following transplants often experience certain forms of skin cancer.

self-examinations for skin cancer

All skin cancer experts worldwide recommend that you regularly examine your skin yourself – especially if one or more of the above factors are present:

• Observe whether new nevi have formed or whether localized discoloration is noticeable in individual areas.
• Check whether "old" moles show changes in size, shape and color.
• Examine your body thoroughly from head to toe, using a hand or wall mirror to properly assess areas such as your back and under your arms.
• Even areas of the body that are rarely exposed to light, such as the genital region or between the toes, must be checked. As soon as something is discovered that seems “not normal”, the family doctor or a dermatologist should be consulted.

skin cancer therapies

The basis for choosing a skin cancer treatment is where the skin cancer originated and how advanced it is. The type of skin cancer also plays a decisive role. Small areas of superficial skin cancer may not require any additional treatment after removal.

However, if further measures are required, a variety of measures are available - liquid nitrogen in cryotherapy, electrosurgery, laser surgery, photodynamic therapy for non-melanoma skin cancer, immunomodulatory therapies and surgery with modern techniques - to preserve as much healthy skin as possible.

Radiation of a tumor is an option if surgery is not enough to Cancer can no longer be completely removed or when patients can no longer be operated on. If the skin cancer has already metastasized, chemotherapy is under discussion. In individual cases, immunomodulatory treatment - the so-called "target therapy" - be performed.

Skin cancer can be prevented

Anyone who has an increased risk of skin cancer can reduce this risk themselves by protecting their skin from too much UV light.

Avoid midday sun
Outdoor activities should not be scheduled for midday. In summer, you should stay indoors or in the shade between 13 p.m. and 15 p.m.

Always use sunscreen. Sunscreens, oils or sprays cannot filter out all UV radiation, but they are always part of your skin protection program. Lips, ears, neck and backs of the hands should also be protected. Sunscreen should be renewed after every swim and after heavy sweating.

Cover your skin with a hat and light-proof clothing, and protect your arms and legs from UV light. For your eyes, wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.

Avoid sunbathing in a solarium. Additional UV light puts unnecessary strain on the skin and can increase the risk of skin cancer.

Choosing the right medications Some over-the-counter and prescription medications increase photosensitivity - Doctor or pharmacists can advise you.

Use skin cancer screening In Germany, since 2008, people with statutory health insurance aged 35 and over have been entitled to free early detection of skin cancer every two years. In the meantime, you should regularly examine yourself as described above. complete health check A skin cancer test should also be carried out.