Skin cancer is a mole, only appears on the skin or exposure to ultraviolet rays causes cancer are misconceptions about the disease.
Dr. Doan Thu Hong, Vietnam Institute of Applied Medicine, said that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight is a common cause of skin cancer, but factors such as family history can also increase the risk of skin cancer.
Here are 10 misconceptions about skin cancer.
There is only one type of skin cancer.
False. There are many types of skin cancer, the two most common of which are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. More than a million people worldwide develop skin cancer each year, so many that it is difficult to keep track of all of them.
Skin cancer originates in the basal and squamous layers of the skin. Melanoma is less common and usually originates in melanocytes, the skin cells that produce pigment.
Melanoma is just a mole
It is true that all malignant tumors arise from melanocytes, including those found in moles. However, a tumor is not just a mole that needs to be removed.
Melanoma spots look like moles, are asymmetrical black spots with irregular borders, grow over time and sometimes have different colors within the spot. Most tumors are larger than a pencil eraser, others can be smaller.
Precancerous melanoma in some people may start out as a pimple bump on the cheek, but it doesn't go away for more than half a year.
Typical image of an asymmetrical mole. Photo: American Academy of Dermatology
Malignant tumors appear only on the skin.
False. These spots don't only appear on the skin. Rare forms of melanoma can appear on the eye (ocular melanoma) and on mucous membranes (mucosal melanoma), in the nose, mouth, or lips.
Skin cancer is not serious.
Skin cancer, especially melanoma, can be fatal if not caught early. Melanoma tends to spread to other parts of the body. People diagnosed with advanced cancer will need surgery and immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy is now used to treat many different types of cancer, teaching the immune system to attack cancer cells, just as it would a virus. Some basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers may require radiation therapy after surgery to kill any remaining tumor cells.
People with darker skin do not get skin cancer.
People of any race or skin color can get skin cancer, but it is often overlooked in people with darker skin. Studies show that black patients are three times more likely to be diagnosed with advanced melanoma than white patients.
Communities of color have higher rates of a rare type of skin cancer called lentiginous melanoma, which appears on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and on the fingernails.
Melanoma only develops after many years of exposure to sunlight.
Just one sunburn can cause lasting damage, not years of sun exposure. Studies show that a blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence can double a person’s risk of developing melanoma later in life. Repeated sunburns and prolonged exposure to UV rays make skin damage worse.
Sunbathing helps prevent sunburn and skin cancer.
Not only does tanned skin not prevent sunburn or skin cancer, but on the contrary, it is a sign that the skin is having problems, because it is damage or a stress reaction of the skin when exposed to ultraviolet rays.
Exposure to sunlight causes cell damage, increasing the risk of skin cancer. Studies have shown that foundation provides UV protection similar to sunscreen.
Makeup can protect skin
Some makeup products contain SPF, but that’s not enough. You should apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply every few hours.
Only apply sunscreen when going to the beach or swimming pool.
False. You should apply sunscreen every morning, even when you are indoors. When you are outdoors for a long time, you should reapply sunscreen every two hours.
Only exposure to ultraviolet rays causes skin cancer.
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the main cause of skin cancer, but it is not the only factor. Skin cancer can run in families. Rare types of skin cancer that affect the eyes, mucous membranes, and backs of the hands and feet are not usually caused by UV exposure. Having certain types of moles also increases the risk of skin cancer.
Thuy Quynh
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