Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most frequent in Brazil. According to the National Cancer Institute, the disease accounts for about 30% of all tumors registered in the country. Estimates indicate that, in 2020, more than 176 thousand cases were registered in Brazil. Although it is the most frequent, it is also the one with the lowest mortality.
The mayor of Manaus, David Almeida (Avante), was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer. On Sunday (13), Almeida underwent a dermatological procedure in the region of the nose to remove the cells affected by the disease.
In this Tuesday’s edition (15) of the Medical Correspondentfrom Novo Dia, neurosurgeon Fernando Gomes explained the risks and how to prevent this type of cancer.
The main risk factors are prolonged exposure to the sun, especially in childhood and adolescence, having light skin and eyes, and a family or personal history of skin cancer.
“We have an exaggerated exposure to ultraviolet rays and this can cause genetic changes in the cells, for example in the basal layer, and with that the cells begin to multiply in a disorderly way and we have the diagnosis of skin cancer”, explains Gomes.
According to the neurosurgeon, skin cancer mainly affects the areas of the body that receive the most intense sun exposure, including the face, neck and ears.
The main signs are spots on the skin that itch, burn, flake or bleed and wounds that do not heal within four weeks. “It is important to pay close attention to sores on the ear, nose, forehead and scalp for those who do not have hair. These are wounds that start, do not heal and every time you dry them with a towel, they can bleed”, explains dermatologist Adriana Vilarinho, a member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD).
Skin cancer prevention includes the use of sunscreen and the use of accessories that reduce direct contact with ultraviolet rays.
“The guidance goes beyond simply applying sunscreen, any barrier that can protect it makes sense. So caps, hats, glasses, things that you try to somehow limit that excessive sun exposure, because it’s the ultraviolet rays that have a lot of correlation with your formation,” she says.
Gomes highlights the importance of sunlight for the body, but emphasizes that it is possible to sunbathe with caution.
“Vitamin D is good, it is through the sun and the conversion in the skin that we get a large percentage of it. It’s good to have contact with sunlight, the brain thanks you, a lot happens from a neurochemical point of view in the mind: it helps to avoid depression, improve self-esteem and bring more health to the body. […] You need to avoid exposure in an aggressive way, especially from 10 am to 4 pm,” he said.
Other Inca recommendations to prevent skin cancer:
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun between 10 am and 4 pm
- Look for shady places
- Wear suitable protection, such as clothing, wide-brimmed hats or hats, UV protective sunglasses, umbrellas and tents
- Apply sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15 to the skin before exposing it to the sun.
- Use sunscreen for your lips
How is the treatment performed
Patients with basal cell carcinoma may undergo surgery to remove the injured tissue.
Another form of treatment includes photodynamic therapy, which consists of using a photosensitive cream and applying a light source.
Basal cell carcinoma has a great chance of being cured since in most cases it is possible to remove all cancer cells only with surgery, as long as it is diagnosed at an early stage.
Source: CNN Brasil
