Ways to protect yourself from skin cancer

Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Yakup Çil made statements about skin cancers.

Prof. Dr. Çil, noting that skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in humans, said, "The skin is the largest organ in the human body. Many different types of cancer can appear on the skin, the most common being basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Among these, malignant melanoma has the worst prognosis and spreads most rapidly to other organs in the body. It is often distinguished from the other two types by its dark color. People should consider skin cancer when they see a skin condition that changes rapidly."

"Moles should be monitored closely"

Prof. Dr. Çil stated that everyone has skin conditions called moles, which are often different in color than the skin itself. He said, "Not all moles are malignant, but close monitoring is beneficial. Close monitoring of moles allows for early diagnosis of skin cancer and, with early treatment, allows us to prevent it. If a mole exhibits sudden changes that weren't previously present, such as rapid growth, rapid color change, sudden widening of the border, or bleeding, skin cancer should be a concern. Seeking a specialist examination as soon as possible can be lifesaving."

"Sun rays increase the risk"

Professor Dr. Çil emphasized that the most common known cause of skin cancer is sunlight, saying, "Therefore, skin cancers are more common in areas of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face and hands. It's especially important to wear hats and sunglasses on sunny days, and to use sunscreen regardless of the season (especially during the sunny summer months). Furthermore, there is significant evidence of skin cancer developing in individuals who, due to their profession, come into contact with a wide variety of chemicals for extended periods. Therefore, it's crucial for people working in these occupations to wear protective gloves, masks, and appropriate protective clothing."

"Sunscreen should be used in all seasons"

Prof. Dr. Çil, discussing the importance of sunscreen, said, "Scientific studies have shown that the sun's potentially damaging rays are reaching more of the earth's surface due to the declining ozone layer and environmental climate changes. We must not forget that sunscreen is one of the most frequently blamed causes of the increase in skin cancer cases. It's essential to use sunscreen correctly to provide adequate protection. While the harmful effects of sun rays are more pronounced in the summer, we should definitely use sunscreen during the winter months and on cloudy days when we continue to be exposed to the sun."

"Beware of skin burns that occur at a young age"

Prof. Dr. Çil said, "Skin burns occurring during childhood and adolescence can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. It is known that squamous cell skin cancer is more common in areas of the skin that have burn scars and are prone to constant trauma."

"Pathological examination is performed"

Addressing the diagnosis process and treatment options for skin cancer, Prof. Dr. Çil shared the following information: "If skin cancer is suspected, a small sample of the suspicious skin tissue is first removed and sent for pathological examination. If a diagnosis of skin cancer is made based on the pathological examination, further analysis should be performed to determine whether the cancer has spread to other organs. Extensive removal of the cancerous skin tissue is necessary, followed by close monitoring of the area. Depending on the extent of skin cancer spreading to other tissues and the stage of the cancer, radiotherapy and oncological medical treatment may also be necessary, if deemed necessary."

"It is more common in the head and neck region"

Prof. Dr. Çil stated that skin cancers are more common in the head and neck region, saying, "Skin cancers are more common in the head and neck region, which is exposed to the sun more frequently. This area is also a very important body part from an aesthetic perspective. First, a definitive pathological diagnosis can be made by taking a very small sample of skin from the suspected cancerous area, which can prevent the removal of a large portion of facial skin that could cause aesthetic problems. It is crucial that specialist physicians perform the procedure in a sensitive area like the face, which contains a large number of aesthetically pleasing skin units. Protecting the surgical area from sunlight is also important postoperatively to avoid excessive scarring."

"Early diagnosis is important"

Emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis, Prof. Dr. Çil said, "Early diagnosis of skin cancer will not only prolong the patient's life but also allow them to recover from skin cancer with a smaller, aesthetically pleasing surgical scar. With developing treatment methods, if skin cancer is diagnosed before it's too late, patients can have the chance to live a normal life. Therefore, when a suspicious skin problem arises, keeping skin cancer in the back of our minds can save our lives. Early diagnosis, as with all cancers, is lifesaving."