Skin cancer

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Skin is the largest organ for human body. It is function for protecting the internal organ from injury, serves as a barrier to germs and  also helps to get rid of certain body wastes. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancer. It is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skins. It occurs when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells triggers mutations  that lead to skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumours. There are three types of skin cancers : basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Symptoms

• A spread of pigmentation beyond the border, such as dark coloring that spreads past the edge of a mole or mark
• Changes of the skin, especially size, colour,spot or a new growth
• Bleeding, scaliness,oozing of the bump
• Feeling of itchiness, tenderness, or pain

Cause

• Unprotected or excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation
• Occupational exposure to coal tar,pitch,creosote,arsenic compounds,or radium
• Family history of skin cancer
• Multiple or unusual moles
• Severe sunburns in the past
• Smoking
• The use of many immunosuppressive drugs
• Chronic non healing wounds

Action plan

• Avoid direct exposure to the sun between 10am- 4pm.
• Cover up with protective clothes to protect skin from the direct sunlight exposure
• Apply sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 30 by 30 minutes before outdoor activities.
• Undergo regular checkups and bringing changing lesions to the attention of doctor.
• Increase the consumption of carrot,orange,tomatoes, red peppers, spinach and kale which rich in antioxidant to lower the risk of skin cancer.