Can Sun Rays Cause Skin Cancer?
Global warming has caused drastic changes in the earth’s atmosphere leading to alterations in climate cycles. We know that holes have been formed in the Ozone Layer which has, in turn, made us more vulnerable to exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation.
Strict measures are to be taken to control global warming and ozone depletion, we also need to take our own precautions as this increases the chances of being diagnosed with malignant forms of Skin Cancers.
The main purpose of this blog is to create awareness about how excessive exposure to the sun leads to Skin Cancer and what can be done to cut down this damage.
Read more about Global Warming here
An Insight Into Skin Cancer
Before we get into our main discussion, let us brief you about Skin Cancer.
Skin Cancer forms in the insides of the tissues of the skin cells when there is an abnormal growth or spots found on the skin when exposed to UV rays.
Exposure to the sun and Ultraviolet Rays can cause major damage to the skin. But how?
Sunlight contains Vitamin-D which is essential for bone growth in our body, but it should only be absorbed during early mornings. Because, after that, the sun rays contain UV radiation.
UV rays are naturally present in the sun. When these UV rays come in contact with the skin, they go into the DNA cells. Thereby, the DNA cells are affected and that leads to damage in them. This damage grows over time, causing abnormal spots and growth on the skin.
Types of skin cancer:
Skin Cancers are of three types- Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC).
Exposure to the sun leads to Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Melanoma does not occur due to sun contact, but it is the most dangerous form of Skin Cancer.
Like all cancers, early detection of Skin Cancer ensures a higher rate of survival.
Warning Signs You Should Look For
Any abnormal growth or spot might not necessarily be Cancer. There are different symptoms for different types of Skin Cancer.
For Melanoma:
- Lesions with irregular borders
- Change in shape and size of a mole
- Lesions with itching or burning sensation
- Bleeding of a mole
- Lesions with abnormal colors like- red, pink, white, blue, bluish-black
For Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC):
- Pearly or waxy bump
- Bleeding or scabbing sore that heals and returns again
- Flat, Flesh-colored or sometimes brown scar-like lesions
- Pearly white marks
- Pale, non-healing scar
For Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC):
- Lesions with flat, scaly, crusted surface
- Firm and red nodules
- Pinkish colored lesions
- Bleeding in lesions
- Tender skin surface
If you find any sort of abnormal mole or growth on the skin, be sure to visit your Physician and get examined to rule out any cancerous growth.
Precautionary measures to be taken to protect yourselves from the harmful UV radiation containing sun rays.
- Hats and Scarves
- Sunscreens with an SPF of 50 and more
- Light Clothing
- Sunglasses
We hope you found this blog informative and insightful. Cancer is unpredictable, if there are a few habits one can inculcate that has a solid chance of not being diagnosed with cancer, they should be followed.
Know more about Skin Cancer and other various types of cancers from us.