Overexposure to the sun can cause skin cancer

Emphasizing that skin cancer, the incidence of which is increasing day by day in the world, can threaten anyone from 7 to 70, Uzm. Dr. Alakbarov said: “Long exposure to sunlight is one of the main causes of this cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the climate zone in which our country is located, but also in the rest of the world. Skin cancer occurs after the uncontrolled growth of some of the cells that make up the skin. Skin cancer, one of the most common cancers and regularly increasing every year, is divided into two as melanoma and non-melanoma, which carry life-threatening risks, and treatment protocols are applied accordingly. The most common type is basal cell carcinoma, which belongs to the non-melanoma group.

Claiming that while the sun’s rays contribute positively to our health, such as the synthesis of vitamin D from the skin, they can cause DNA damage in skin cells. Hasan Alakbarov said: “This damage accumulates in our skin cells throughout our lives and, over time, causes a permanent deterioration of the cells’ life code.”

“The main reason is harmful sun rays”

Underlining that the main factor that causes skin cancer is ultraviolet, that is, sun rays, Uzm. Dr. Alakbarov listed other factors as follows:
“Sunburn, which is called burns especially in childhood, and the cumulative sun rays continuously collected over the years,
Having fair skin, colored eyes, or freckled skin
Too many moles on the face or body
enter the solarium,
Having a family history of skin cancer along with certain genetic diseases such as Albino or Vertiligo,
Spending too much time in the sun
Exposure to chemicals such as chronic arsenic in living geography,
Exposure to chemicals in occupations such as chimney sweeps and hairdressers.”

“The sun’s rays also pass through clothing”

Talking about ways to protect from the sun’s rays, Uzm. Dr. Alakbarov said: “We need to reduce the sun’s contact with our skin with clothing and a hat. Even the type of fabric is effective in protection. For example, polyester and wool absorb UV rays more than cotton fabrics. Washing the fabric with chemicals that absorb UV rays increases protection. We know that ultraviolet rays can also pass through substances. While this transition is more intense with very thin and light-colored fabrics, the transition is less with dark-colored fabrics. For this reason, very thin and light-colored products are not preferred during periods when the sun’s intensity is high.

“Heavily woven clothing is preferred”

Uzm states that the porosity of the fabrics also increases the permeability of UV rays. Dr. Alakbarov said: “The UV transmittance of tightly woven fabrics is lower and provides higher protection. The dampness of the fabric also increases the transmittance of UV rays. When fabrics are wet, the fibers swell and the texture becomes more loosely fibrous than when dry. In summer, clothing made of tightly woven fabrics with low ultraviolet transmittance is preferable and should be replaced immediately in case of dampness, sweating or getting wet. Clothing and hats made of ultraviolet filtered fabrics are very useful products to protect the body, face and especially the head against sunstroke.

Emphasizing that children should be protected from direct sun exposure, especially in the first 3 years, Uzm. Dr. “This type of clothing protects children with more confidence thanks to its strong protective properties during outdoor activities such as parks and beaches,” said Alakbarov.

“Reapply your sunscreen every 4 hours”

According to specialist dr. Alakbarov said: “However, people who move freely because I use sunscreen spend more time in the sun. However, the effectiveness of sunscreens is up to 4 hours. For this reason, creams with a sun protection factor of more than 30 must be renewed every 4 hours.

“Light-skinned people are more at risk”

Drawing attention to people at risk of skin cancer, Dr. Dr. Alakbarov shared the following information: “Although the risk of skin cancer is high, especially with the increase in global warming, in countries in the sunny climate zone, people with fair skin and sensitivity to the sun are at a higher risk. People with fair skin, light eyes and red hair are at greater risk than people with dark skin. Regardless of skin type, those who have had severe sunburns in childhood, those with a family history of skin cancer, those who have had an organ transplant, those who have spent long periods of time in the sun without protection, those who have been in the sun for a long time and those who have gone to the solarium are at risk of skin cancer. Sun protection plays a key role in protecting all of these risk groups from cancer. In case of rapid growth of existing moles, new moles, redness, itching or bleeding in the mole, a dermatologist should be consulted without delay. Again, it is imperative to screen for skin cancer, especially for newly emerging fast-growing, bleeding, or non-showing wounds or blisters.