skin care
Data from Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SDB)
at least reveal it 205,000 Brazilians have been diagnosed with skin cancer in the past eight years
🇧🇷 The non-melanoma type, which appears on the surface of the skin, is one of the most common, according to the National Cancer Institute (INCA).
Among the main risk factors for the disease are family history, people with fair skin and eyes, and excessive sun exposure without adequate protection. According to the body, the Brazilian says that most of the notified cases of skin cancer, between 2013 and 2021, are concentrated in the southern and southeast regions, especially São Paulo and Paraná. However, although the incidence is higher in these localities, the Northern region also deserves attention.
“Rondônia, for example, is positioned near the equator, where there is more solar radiation. This increases the population’s predisposition to non-melanoma skin cancer, since sun exposure is the main risk factor for the disease,” explains Juan Carlos Boado, doctor and technical director of Bom Pastor Hospital, located in Guajará-Mirim (RO). ).
“Although the local population is predominantly brown, we have many immigrants from other regions, with lighter skin, a type more prone to the development of the disease and which requires strengthening in treatment”, adds the doctor.
Solar radiation is electromagnetic waves or particles that propagate with a certain speed, being classified as ionizing or non-ionizing. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is of the non-ionizing type and has a lower frequency, being the main wave related to skin cancer from chronic exposure.
“This means that solar radiation has a cumulative effect, i.e., over time, the more frequent the exposure without protective mechanisms, the greater the possibility that UV rays will penetrate into the deep layers of the skin and affect the tissues and blood vessels, appear blemishes on the skin, premature aging and malignant tumors”, warns the professional of the Bom Pastor Hospital.
Belonging to the Pró-Saúde philanthropic institution, the unit is a point of reference, through the Unified Health System (SUS), for more than 50 indigenous villages in the region. Acting proactively, Bom Pastor regularly lectures on skin cancer with employees and patients to assist in early diagnosis and referral of cases for investigation and treatment to a referral unit in the state capital.
“In this end-of-year holiday season, when we tend to frequent rivers, beaches and swimming pools, the tendency is for the body to be more exposed to the sun. Therefore, the treatments must be doubled,” emphasizes the doctor.
“An increase in cases of malignant melanoma can be observed recently, which highlights the need to talk about skin cancer prevention,” adds Juan.
The alert comes in the month of the national “December Orange” campaign, organized by the SBD, which seeks to promote awareness of the risks of the disease and strengthen guidelines on adequate care.
Pay attention to signs and symptoms
Because it is less aggressive and has a high cure rate, attention to symptoms is the ideal starting point for identifying skin changes and making an early diagnosis. Generally, non-melanoma skin cancer manifests itself as red lesions that form ‘scabs’, wounds that do not heal or have difficulty healing, or small, pink tumours. In addition to these symptoms, there are others that deserve attention, such as:
- Black or brown spots that change color, texture, size and become irregular at the edges;
- Spots or wounds that do not heal and continue to grow, itching, scabbing, eroding, or bleeding;
- Nodules on the skin;
- Swollen lymph nodes (neck, armpit and groin area);
- Shortness of breath or cough;
- Abdominal pain and headache.
Other features serve as a cautionary tale, such as asymmetry, rough edges, more than two tones, and growth over time. “When identifying any changes in the skin, it’s very important to seek medical attention,” guides Juan.
forms of prevention
According to an analysis by the SDB, about four thousand Brazilians die from the disease every year. “Preventive measures are important because early diagnosis, in the early stages, provides a 90% chance of cure,” explains the specialist.
Avoiding excessive sun exposure and protecting your skin from the effects of UV radiation are the best ways to prevent skin cancer. People who have a family history of skin cancer, sunburn, and many moles should pay special attention to the following precautions:
- Seek a dermatologist doctor when identifying signs and symptoms on the skin;
- Use of sunscreens with a minimum SPF of 30;
- Use sunscreen daily, applying the product in the morning and before lunch;
- Avoid sun exposure between 10am and 4pm;
- Avoid artificial tanning;
- Keep the immune system strong;
- At the beach or pool, use cotton or canvas curtains that absorb 50% of ultraviolet radiation;
- Wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and T-shirts;
- Protect babies and children from the sun, the protector can be used from six months.
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