For us Indians, our dark skin and a tendency to tan is a constant irritant. There are so many fairness creams in the market promising fair and lovely skin. What we don’t know is that this increased amount of melanin not only protects our skin when exposed to sunlight, but also reduces incidences of skin cancer among us. Hence, dark skin is a boon for us. However, these low incidences also are the reason behind our lack of proper awareness and discussions around skin cancer. Skin cancer is a health concern and does occur among Indians. Therefore, proper knowledge of it and how to prevent it should be regularly discussed.
Factors Responsible for Skin Cancer in India
Depleting Ozone Layer & India
World Ozone Day is observed every year on 16th September to discuss its depletion. Tropical countries like India already receive higher levels of UV radiation and this increases risk of skin cancer. And with the huge depletion of ozone layer in the atmosphere during recent years, there is even more increase in UV radiation reaching Earth’s surface. The risk of skin cancer has increased manifold.
False Sense of Security
Indians can suffer from more aggressive forms of skin cancer because we suffer from a false sense of security against it. Our dark skin is both a factor for low incidence and also makes us most vulnerable. We tend to overlook early signs of this disease.
Staying Indoors, or in Cars
A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, has claimed that too much driving may increase the risk of skin cancer because of exposure to the UV rays through the car window. The same danger exists even inside homes since UV radiation can enter through windows.
Unexposed Body Parts
Skin cancer can occur even in places not exposed to the Sun and is usually more severe in intensity there. Besides Melanoma, Indians can have two other forms of skin cancer: Basal cell carcinoma and Squamous cell carcinoma.
Ways to Prevent/ Get Timely Treatment
Sunscreen
Sunscreens with a broad spectrum coverage and a minimum SPF of 15 to 30 should be used daily. When outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating. Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand, as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn. Physical sun protection such as wearing long-sleeved cotton outfits, broad-brimmed hats or caps, and sunglasses should be used. Also, avoid long-term sun exposure, especially between 12 pm-4 pm.
Monthly Self Examination
We can do a monthly self examination to detect signs of skin cancer. Skin spots or lesions that ooze, bleed, don’t heal or last longer than a month should be looked into by a dermatologist. Any non healing ulcer, growths or sores next to trauma scars or old scars, growths on hands, soles and under the nails should be checked too. New or existing moles that have an irregular border, change color or shape rapidly or are asymmetrical should be shown to a dermatologist too
Nutrient Rich Diet
Eat a diet rich in beta carotenoids and antioxidants to reduce the free radical damage caused by sun.
This World Ozone Day (16th September) let’s take a pledge to wear SPF everyday and be vigilant. Let’s stay skin cancer free!