SKIN CANCER
How To Beat It
PROTECT YOUR SKIN THROUGH THICK OR THIN
What Is It?
Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells. This develops when there is DNA damage to skin cells which is unable to be repaired (mostly caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun and tanning beds) which can occur in skin mutations or genetic defects which leads to skin cells to increase at an abnormal rate and create malignant tumors.
There are THREE major types of skin cancer:
- Melanoma: the most dangerous and harmful form of skin cancer
- Basal Cell Carcinoma: a non-melanoma skin cancer
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: a non-melanoma skin cancer
Melanoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
DID YOU KNOW...
- Skin cancers account for about 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers
- Between 95 to 99% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun
- GPs have over 1 million consultations per year for skin cancer
- There are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the: breast, prostate, lung and colon
- One person dies of melanoma every hour (57 minutes)
The Prevention
The FIVE steps to help protect your skin
- SLIP on some sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible
- SLOP on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30+ sunscreen. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outside and every two hours afterwards
- SLAP on a hat that protects your face, neck and ears
- SEEK shade
- SLIDE on UV protection sunglasses
Check Yourself
It only takes TEN minutes
Make sure to check your skin from head to toe for any suspicious skin/abnormalities.
Example: sun spots and moles.
This can help detect skin cancer whilst in its earliest forms/stages. Early detection of skin cancer will give you a greater chance of successful skin cancer treatment. It is recommended to practice this procedure at least once a month.
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