Cancer is scary, a common reason many do not go for routine screening, fearing the worst. Nonetheless, timely treatments can help you lead a healthier and longer life when diagnosed early. Early skin cancer Sanford diagnosis can, for example, facilitate treatments like freezing (cryosurgery), helping stop its spread that could necessitate chemo or radiation therapy. Besides routine checks, understanding the common risk factors helps. Here is a quick look at the common skin cancer risk factors besides sun exposure.
Family history
If your close relatives, like a sibling or parent, have had skin cancer, you are likely to develop it. Genetic predisposition is beyond your control, but if you have a family history, it is not a must that you will develop skin cancer, especially if you take relevant measures to mitigate the chances. Besides the history, other genetically inherited traits also put you at higher risk of developing skin cancer. They include albinism, nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, dyskeratosis congenital, and epidermolysis bullosa simplex syndromes.
Skin type
You are at risk of skin cancer if you have a lighter and fair skin complexion. Moreover, if your skin tends to burn instead of tanning, it is more vulnerable to cancer. Lighter-skinned individuals who are blond or have red hair, blue eyes, and a tendency to develop freckles are also at an increased risk of skin cancer.
Precancerous aspect
Do you have more or larger moles? Moles are usually non-benign. However, if you notice they are evolving, such as changing color, shape, and size, or they are more, you should go for screening. Mole removal may be necessary for more than aesthetics or discomfort, especially with the changes or considering your skin cancer risk factors. Other precancerous aspects that increase skin cancer risks include actinic keratosis, lesions that develop after prolonged sun exposure.
Lifestyle habits
Do you fancy indoor tanning? The cosmetic tan is achieved through exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which increases skin cancer risk due to the impact it has on your skin cell DNA. Habits like smoking also damage DNA in your skin tissue, causing abnormal cell growth. Irresponsible sexual behaviors can also result in contracting HPV, a virus that increases skin and other cancer risks.
Health status
If your immune system is suppressed or weakened, you are at risk of various ailments, skin cancer included. The immune system could be affected by various factors ranging from HIV and AIDs, cancers like leukemia, organ transplant, radiation therapy, and certain medications, including immunosuppressive. Besides your health, if your skin is damaged due to injuries, diseases, or sunburns, it is susceptible to skin cancer.
Age
Skin cancer is prevalent in older individuals. This can be associated with the cumulative damage the skin takes over the years, from the sun and environmental toxins exposure to the impact of certain lifestyle habits.
Keeping your skin in good shape entails more that maintaining a youthful glow. You need to keep the skin healthier to ensure it protects you well. Visit Sanford Dermatology today for more on skin cancer risks, diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle recommendations to mitigate its development.