Skin cancers
Skin cancers are of two types namely: melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers. The nonmelanoma types (basal and squamous cell carcinoma) affect a large number of the US population. Early detection is the first step towards a positive outcome. People who have a compromised immune system, have had skin cancer before or have a strong family history of skin cancer should seek regular skin examinations. Meanwhile, one can be taught on how to perform self skin examinations at least once per month by using a mirror. According to Torre at al. (2015), a thorough assessment of the skin is essential in the sense that one can be able to visualize any rashes or what would be considered abnormal.
Caucasians are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer due to their relative lack of skin pigmentation when compared to dark skinned individuals. Research has indicated that black populations can tolerate high levels of exposure to the sun without being at risk of developing cancer of the skin or sun burn (Fong & Tanabe, 2014). However, it is worth to note that the adult population is at an increased risk of developing skin cancers whether one is dark or light skinned. It is advisable for those at risk to ensure a monthly assessment of their skin is carried out by trained practitioners so that it may be easier to detect and manage any abnormality.
Patients need to be informed of the risk they put themselves into when they bask under sunlight. Usually, their immune system has been compromised by the medical conditions that they are suffering from hence exposure to sun may be detrimental. Globalization has increased the amount of UV light from the sun, thus patients can develop skin cancers when they are exposed to these harmful rays. The populations that are at an increased risk of developing cancer form sunlight exposure are those with extremes of age and people with compromised immune states.
References
Fong, Z. V., & Tanabe, K. K. (2014). Comparison of melanoma guidelines in the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand: a critical appraisal and comprehensive review. British Journal of Dermatology, 170(1), 20-30.
Torre, L. A., Bray, F., Siegel, R. L., Ferlay, J., Lortet‐Tieulent, J., & Jemal, A. (2015). Global cancer statistics, 2012. CA: a cancer journal for clinicians, 65(2), 87-108.
