Skin cancer is the most common tumour there is. However, the perception still exists that it affects only those who spend a lot of time in the sun. Dr Susana Puig refutes this: solar radiation is cumulative; so, every exposure, no matter how small, has a lasting effect on the skin.
Sunburn is the most visible part of this damage, but the greatest risk comes from chronic sun exposure, which builds up over the years and causes photoageing: wrinkles, dark spots and more fragile skin; over time, this can lead to a skin tumour.
Getting sunburnt just once as a child can significantly increase the risk of melanoma as an adult. “Repeatedly getting sunburnt is like buying more than one lottery ticket,” warns Dr Puig. If you do get sunburnt, it is essential to let the skin rest, keep it well moisturised and avoid further sun exposure until it has fully recovered. In severe cases, with intense pain or blistering, you should seek medical assessment to determine whether specific treatment is required.
Genetic factors and the importance of prevention
Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer and one of the most common among young adults. Up to 60% of cases have a genetic origin, and it can appear even in people with dark skin, eyes and hair.
Most melanomas are detected at an early stage and can be removed with a simple procedure. The key is to examine your skin carefully and recognise warning signs, such as a mole or spot that looks different from the rest. If it changes its shape, colour or size, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional.
Arnau Catllà, a melanoma patient interviewed on the podcast Let’s Talk About Health, was diagnosed at 17 during the routine check-ups he underwent because his mother also had the disease. Because of this early detection, his risk of complications today is practically zero.
Since then, Arnau has made sun protection a daily habit. He sets an alarm on his phone every two hours to remind himself to apply sunscreen. Also, he always stays in the shade and wears a cap, sunglasses and long-sleeved clothing. “The sun doesn’t limit my life: I just have to put on sunscreen,” he says.
An episode you won’t want to miss
To take a deeper look at how to prevent and detect skin cancer, the Hospital Clínic podcast Let’s Talk About Health has released a particularly informative episode: “Let's talk about skin cancer,” with Dr Susana Puig and melanoma patient Arnau Catllà. The conversation is both scientific and human; reminding us that skin has a memory and that looking after it today is the best way to prevent cancer tomorrow.
INFORMATION DOCUMENTED BY:
Dr Susana Puig, Director of IDIBAPS, leader of the research group ‘Melanoma: Imaging, Genetics and Immunology’.
