Melanoma is one of the more common types of cancer, which is why it is important to know the risk factors, many of which we can change in order to prevent it. Dr. Borbola Kinga, dermatologist-cosmetologist at the Mole Screening Center, clinical oncologist he talked about the most important things.
Here are the main risk factors
- Age
Although younger people can develop melanoma, the risk increases with age. In Great Britain, nearly half of diagnoses occur in people over the age of 65. - Ultraviolet radiation
Ultraviolet radiation is considered the main environmental risk factor. According to studies, those who can be diagnosed with sun-induced keratosis on the head and neck have an increased risk of melanoma in these areas of the body and limbs as a result of sun damage suffered over the years and decades. - Skin color and freckles
Very fair-skinned people, especially those with blond or red hair and freckles, are at higher risk, while darker-skinned people have some natural protection in this regard. - Intermittent strong sunlight exposure
According to the observations of British researchers, people who do not live in a sunny landscape, but spend 2-3 weeks a year in a hot, sunny country – the British like to spend their vacations in such places – will develop melanoma in a higher proportion than those who are exposed to even exposure to sunlight. , for example because of their outdoor work. - Sunburn
Sunburn due to excessive sunbathing increases the risk of melanoma to a greater degree, the more times you have been sunburned. In addition, in this regard, the skin “remembers” not only the sunburns suffered in childhood, but all ages. - Solarium use
Many studies have already proven that excessive tanning bed use increases the chance of developing all skin tumors, but the results of the International Agency for Research into Cancer have also specifically confirmed that it also contributes to the development of melanoma, especially under the age of 35. According to professional opinions, there is no such thing as safe solarium use. - Sun protection products
The relationship between sun protection products and the increasing risk of melanoma is constantly being investigated, but there is no definite conclusion yet. The most likely explanation seems to be that many people – mistakenly – think that they can safely spend more time in the sun if they use sunscreen. It is important to know that you must limit the time you spend in direct sunlight even if you use a product with a high factor number, and according to the recommendations, you must reapply your skin every 2 hours! - Birthmarks
The more moles you have on your body, the greater the risk, especially if they include moles of an atypical shape or size. In such cases, a regular dermatological check-up is absolutely important. - Congenital birthmark
Already at birth, some birthmarks can appear on the skin, which can be of completely different sizes. Since larger ones are slightly more risky in terms of turning into melanoma, they should be checked regularly, and in some cases it is safest to remove them in the first place. - Family tendency
If a direct relative has had melanoma, it also increases our risk, especially if we have more than 50 birthmarks. - Previous skin or other types of cancer
People who have had melanoma once are 8-15 times more likely to get a second one than other people. If melanoma developed in one of the parents is also associated with this factor, the risk increases thirtyfold. At the same time, unfortunately, other types of tumors are also considered a risk factor. - Other diseases
Certain diseases can increase the risk of melanoma, although the connections are not fully understood. These include Parkinson’s disease and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. - Weakened immune system
Weakening of the immune system – whether due to HIV, AIDS, or drugs that weaken the immune system – can open the way to cancer, although in the latter case the benefits far outweigh the small risk. - Overweight
Some research suggests a correlation between a higher BMI (body mass index) and an increased risk of melanoma. At the moment, the connection is not clear, but it is definitely recommended that overweight people be even more careful about sunbathing. - Hormones
Because women are diagnosed with melanoma at a higher rate than men, researchers are currently investigating the effects of female sex hormones, birth control and hormone replacement therapies, and pregnancy on skin cancer.
Solution: precaution and regular dermatological screening
Since the development of melanoma and other skin tumors depends on many factors, of which we do not yet know everything, the most important thing to do is to take precautions and, in the presence of any risk factors, a dermatological check-up, he emphasizes Dr. Borbola Kingadermatologist-cosmetologist at the Birthmark Screening Center, clinical oncologist. “Of course.” skin cancer screening and mole screening with a full body map are also extremely important, if we discover any changes in our existing skin formulas, moles, or if we find a new formula.
Source: Birthmark Screening Center
Source: www.patikamagazin.hu
