Beating Skin Cancer – How did I get it and how it was treated

Intro – Beating Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States whereas breast cancer is the most common cancer in the world. Some people are at higher risk of skin cancer than others, but anyone can get it. The most preventable cause of skin cancer is overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, either from the sun or from artificial sources like tanning beds.

In my particular case, having a fair complexion and being exposed to the sun often and for too long periods in my younger years caused skin cancer decades later.

Sun damage is cumulative over years. Once UV radiation changes your skin cells’ DNA, the DNA damage can’t be reversed. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t change the appearance of your skin. You can treat, reduce and/or repair the effects of sun-damaged skin. 

This was the 4th time I got a basal cell carcinoma (in as many years) and hopefully the last time. The 4 basal cell carcinomas I have had (over the past 4 years) developed in different areas of the forehead. I just would like to point out that there is no history of skin cancer in my family – neither my parents nor grandparents have had any form of cancer.

What Causes It?

Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. When you don’t protect your skin, UV rays from sunlight or tanning beds can damage your skin’s DNA. When the DNA is altered, it can’t properly control skin cell growth, leading to cancer. This means they spread to other places in your body through your lymphatic system. A number of things can raise your chances of getting it.

Who’s Most at Risk?

Sun damage

If you have a history of sunburn, or have spent a lot of time in the sun, your odds go up for both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers.

Light skin, eyes and hair 

The less pigment you have in your skin, the less protection your cells have against dangerous UV rays. But skin cancer can affect anyone. When people of color get it, it tends to be diagnosed in its later stages, when it’s harder to treat. Squamous cell cancer is the most common type of skin cancer in Black people.

Location

If you live in a warm climate, or high elevation, you’re exposed to higher amounts of UV radiation from the sun, which can make your odds of melanoma go up.

Age

As the years go by, you experience more and more damaging UV rays. Most nonmelanomas seem to show up in adults 50 and older.

History of skin cancer

If you’ve already had nonmelanoma skin cancer, you’re more likely to develop it again. And if someone in your family has had it, your chances go up, as well. The same goes for melanoma. If you have a parent or sibling that’s had melanoma, your odds of developing it increase, too.

Gender

Men are more likely to get nonmelanoma skin cancer than women. However, women under 50 are more likely to develop melanoma than men their age.

Exposure to toxins

Working around chemicals like arsenic, and exposure to radiation, can damage skin cells and increase your chances of getting skin cancer.

Having moles

The more moles you have, the higher your chances of developing melanoma.

A weak immune system

If your immune system is compromised, your body can’t fight off the cancer.

Exposure to radiation

If you’ve had radiation treatment for skin conditions like eczema or acne, you may be at higher risk of skin cancer, especially basal cell carcinoma.

How my Carcinoma was treated

I applied Aldara cream Monday to Friday for 4 weeks. I know of cases where people have had to apply Aldara for longer periods. What is important to remember is to apply the cream to the affected area(s) at night before going to bed and then wash the area(s) with water and soap in the morning.

Can You Prevent Skin Cancer?

Your best shot at preventing skin cancer is to protect yourself from the damaging rays of the sun by doing the following:

• Protect your skin with sunblock (at least SPF 30 with broad spectrum)
• Wear tight-weave clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat
• Avoid the outdoors or find shade when the sun is most intense
• Stay out of the sun when taking certain medications
• Never use a tanning bed.

You can’t always prevent skin cancer. But regular skin checks can help you catch it early. The faster it’s diagnosed and treated, the easier it is to cure.

Health Benefits of Getting Outside

The outdoors can benefit your physical and mental health in lots of ways… including the fact that during exposure to sunlight your skin absorbs UV B radiation which gets converted into vitamin D3. Enjoy the great outdoors but take the relevant precautions.😎👍👌🌄🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️

Would I make any other Recommendations?

Should you notice a growth on your skin or a change in colour anywhere on your skin, consult a competent dermatologist. Do not wait too long.

Further Reading – Beating Skin Cancer

Aldara >

WebMD‘s article What Causes Skin Cancer? >