Skin cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Most cases are caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, tanning beds, or sunlamps, because skin cells begin to multiply uncontrollably. The two main layers in the skin are the epidermis or upper/outer layer and the dermis or lower/inner layer. Skin cancer begins in the epidermis, made up of squamous cells, basal cells and melanocytes. Melanin is the pigment that gives color to the skin, when the skin is exposed to the sun, the melanocytes produce more pigment and cause the skin to darken. Melanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer and causes the most deaths, due to its tendency to spread to other parts of the body, including vital organs, and begins in melanocytes.

Pay attention if you have unusual moles that change color, do not grow evenly, or change texture, a large number of moles (more than 50), a family history of melanoma, light skin that burns easily, having suffered many sunburns with blistering during childhood or adolescence.

If your skin is white or light-toned with freckles, if your hair is blonde or red, and if you have blue or green eyes, you are at higher risk of skin cancer, however, anyone can develop skin cancer. To prevent skin cancer, it is recommended to stay out of the sun as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., cover yourself with long-sleeved clothing, long pants or a long skirt, a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen. of factor 15 or more, do not use artificial tanning machines and examine your skin periodically for changes.