World Skin Cancer Day is commemorated every June 13th with the purpose of informing the population about the risks of this disease, promoting preventive behaviors, and reinforcing the importance of early diagnosis. It is the most frequent type of cancer worldwide, but also one of the most preventable if appropriate protection measures against sun exposure are taken.
Skin cancer originates from the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of skin cells, most frequently in areas exposed to the sun such as the face, neck, arms, and hands.
There are three main types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, the latter being the most aggressive and potentially fatal if not detected in time.
Sun exposure, the main risk factor
The main factor associated with skin cancer is excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, coming from both the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds. Repeated sunburns, especially during childhood, significantly increase the risk of developing this disease in adulthood.
Dermatology specialists recommend adopting photoprotection measures such as the daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, appropriate clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and avoiding sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. It is also suggested to check the skin periodically and consult a doctor regarding any changes in moles, spots, or suspicious lesions.
In tropical climate countries like the Dominican Republic, the high incidence of solar radiation throughout the year increases the risk for the general population. People with fair skin, a family history, or conditions such as albinism, are more vulnerable and must take extreme preventive measures.
The importance of early diagnosis
Early detection of skin cancer is key to effective treatment and a higher survival rate. In most cases, when identified in early stages, it can be treated with minimally invasive procedures and with good results. Conversely, advanced melanomas can spread to other organs and require more complex therapies.
The awareness campaigns promoted on this date by medical and public health organizations seek to educate about the warning signs that should prompt a medical consultation, such as the appearance of new moles or changes in existing ones (asymmetry, irregular borders, non-uniform color, diameter greater than 6 mm, or rapid evolution).
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than three million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer and approximately 132,000 cases of melanoma are diagnosed worldwide each year. However, these figures could be lower if the use of photoprotection and periodic dermatological check-ups were generalized.
On this World Skin Cancer Day, health authorities, healthcare professionals, and social organizations reiterate the call to raise awareness about the risks of the sun, to adopt healthy habits, and to prioritize prevention as a fundamental tool to reduce the impact of this disease.
