Dr. Ifeoma M. Uduh, Dr. John Afam-Osemene

Introduction

Skin cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in the world, and it is becoming increasingly widespread, especially in places like Nigeria where people with darker skin tones are predominant. Additionally, the recent rise in skin care therapy and solutions by unqualified persons could greatly affect the prevalence of skin conditions most significantly cancers in the future.

Research done in 2024 reports that Nigeria has an estimated 65,258 new cases of skin cancer annually, giving a projected annual incidence of 52 in 100,000 with skin cancer. No one is completely immune, even though those with darker skin have a lesser chance of getting skin cancer than those with lighter skin. Preventive actions and early detection are essential for lessening the effects of this potentially fatal illness.

Our mission is to increase public knowledge of diseases like skin cancer and to make reasonably priced healthcare available for all Nigerians.

Skin cancer will be discussed in this piece, along with tips on how to avoid it, and identify its signs.

Skin cancer: What is it?

Credit: iStock/ Zay Nyi Nyi

The skin is the largest organ in the body, covering its entire external surface. The skin has 3 layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, which have different anatomical structures and functions.

The disease known as skin cancer is caused by aberrant cells growing in the tissues of your skin. Normally, new skin cells develop to replace ageing and dying skin cells. When this normal process isn’t functioning properly, cells proliferate more quickly to make up for dysfunction causing large numbers of aberrant cells to develop. These aberrant cells might be benign (noncancerous), meaning they don’t spread, or they might be malignant (cancerous).

Uncontrolled growth of aberrant skin cells, frequently brought on by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds, is the cause of skin cancer.

Skin cancer comes in three primary forms:

BCC, or basal cell carcinoma: This type of skin cancer is the most prevalent and least aggressive. On parts of the body that are exposed to the sun, such as the face and neck, it usually manifests as a waxy lump or a flat, flesh-coloured lesion. Although BCC seldom spreads and grows slowly, if treatment is delayed, it can seriously harm the skin and surrounding tissues.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): This kind of skin cancer can appear anywhere on the body and has a higher propensity to spread than BCC,

it usually shows up in places that are regularly exposed to the sun, like the hands, face, and ears. SCC frequently manifests as a flat, scaly lesion or a hard, red lump.

Melanoma: Although it is less prevalent than BCC and SCC, melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer. It grows in the melanocytes, which are the cells that make the skin-colouring pigment melanin. If melanoma is not identified early, it can spread swiftly to other body parts. It frequently manifests as a dark patch or uneven, multicoloured mole on the skin.

Skin Cancer Causes and Risk Factors

Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources, such as tanning beds, is the main cause of skin cancer. Other variables raise the chance of getting skin cancer that include:

Fair Skin: Lighter-skinned people have less melanin, which provides some UV protection. Though it is frequently discovered at an advanced stage because of the false belief that they are not in danger, skin cancer can strike anyone, even those with darker skin tones.
Exposure to excessive amounts of sunlight: Prolonged exposure to the sun without appropriate protection raises the risk of skin damage and skin cancer. In nations like Nigeria, where sunshine is strong all year round, this danger is increased.
Family history of skin cancer: Your risk of getting skin cancer rises if you have a family history of the condition.
Weakened immune system: Skin cancer is more likely to strike those with compromised immune systems, such as those receiving chemotherapy or living with HIV/AIDS.
Tanning beds: Using a tanning bed exposes the skin to high UV radiation levels, which raises the chance of developing any type of skin cancer.

Early Skin Cancer Symptoms

Early detection of skin cancer can result in more efficient treatment and an earlier diagnosis. The following are some signs to look out for:

Sores that don’t heal: Skin cancer may be indicated if an ulcer or sore on your skin doesn’t go away in a few weeks or keeps coming back.
Changes in moles: Pay attention to moles that are already there. Seek medical help if they start to bleed or itchy, or if their size, shape, colour, or texture changes. This is especially crucial in the case of melanoma.
New developments or infections: Any new lesion, growth, or bump on the skin that doesn’t go away or appears strange could be a precursor to skin cancer.
The Melanoma ABCDEs: Melanomas frequently adhere to the ABCDE rule:
- (A)symmetry is when one half of the lesion or mole is different from the other half.
- (B)order: There are ragged, blurry, or uneven edges.
- (C)olour: There are a variety of colours, including tan, brown, black, and even white, red, and blue.
- (D)iameter: The area is more than 6 mm in diameter, or around the size of an eraser for a pencil.
- (E)volving: Over time, the mole or spot changes in size, shape, or colour.

Preventing Skin Cancer

Credit: Everyday Health/ ShutterStock

Even though skin cancer is a dangerous disease, it can be mainly avoided by following sun safety precautions and routinely examining your skin for anomalies.

Here are a few ways to avoid this:

Apply sunscreen: Even on overcast days, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day. Reapply it after swimming or perspiring, and every two hours if you’ll be spending a lot of time outside.
Seek shade: Steer clear of direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are at their greatest. Wear protective gear, such as long-sleeved shirts, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats, if you must be outside.
Steer clear of tanning beds: These devices expose your skin to damaging UV rays, which raises your risk of skin cancer. If you want a tanned look, go for safer options like self-tanning creams.
Frequent skin checks: Examine your skin frequently to look for any changes in your current moles or new growths. For a professional skin examination, see a dermatologist once a year, particularly if you have skin cancer risk factors.

Conclusion

Although skin cancer is a dangerous illness, it can be treatable with the correct precautions and early identification. Essential methods to lower your risk include shielding your skin from UV rays, performing routine self-checks, and seeking medical advice when necessary. Cancer screenings and consultations are important enabling you to take preventative measures to protect your health. Don’t put off taking care of your skin because early detection can save lives.

Our goal is to educate and enlighten you on prevailing health conditions and provide you with accessible and quality plans for as low as #5,500/ 3 months. The healthcare plan covers doctor’s consultations, drugs, and screening tests for diabetes and hypertension.

Until our next article, Contact us to learn more about the healthcare plans and how we can help you on your path to health.

Article written by Dr. Ifeoma M. Uduh (BDS)
Edited by Dr. John Afam-Osemene (MBBS, DA)