Skin cancers
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Every year in France, nearly 60,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed, including 6,500 melanomas. These figures are increasing, despite numerous information campaigns by health authorities. What are the different types of skin cancer, the risk factors and how to protect yourself? Follow the guide.
The different types of skin cancer
Skin cancers can be of two types. We find:
- Melanomas : This is the least common skin cancer but it is also the most serious. There are nearly 6,500 new cases each year in France. Melanoma develops in melanocytes, which are the cells that produce skin pigment and are located in the deepest part of the epidermis.
- Carcinomas : Less aggressive than melanomas, carcinomas develop in the superficial cells of the epidermis. There are two types: basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas.
Melanomas can appear as a small spot or as a mole that will eventually transform. Nearly two-thirds of melanomas are related to sunburn in childhood and excessive exposure to the sun.
Risk factors
It cannot be said enough: skin is a capital that must be preserved at all costs. The number of skin cancers increases by 5 to 7% each year in Europe, but many people tend to think that they are not serious, not realizing the danger they represent. Here are the main risk factors:
- The sun
Despite the many prevention campaigns, few people scrupulously follow the recommendations regarding sun protection. Result: 5 to 7 out of 10 skin cancers are directly linked to overexposure. A finding that is all the more infuriating since it is nevertheless possible to protect yourself effectively! UV rays (UVA, UVB) penetrate the skin and have harmful long-term effects by accelerating skin aging and promoting the occurrence of skin cancers. Good protection is therefore essential, particularly in childhood because sunburn that occurs at a young age is associated with the development of pigmented nevi (moles) which are significant markers of the risk of melanoma.
- The phototype
The occurrence of skin cancer is linked both to a person's sensitivity to UV and to the amount of UV they have been exposed to. It is therefore necessary to adapt your sun protection to your phototype. The lower it is, and therefore the lighter the skin, the higher the risk of developing skin cancer. Six phototypes have been identified:
- Phototype 1: The skin is very fair, white, the eyes are often blue or green, the hair is blond or red and the skin is often covered in freckles. This type of skin does not tan and reddens very easily.
- Phototype 2: The skin is very fair with freckles appearing in the sun, blond or light brown hair. This skin type burns easily and tans a little.
- Phototype 3: Sunburn is occasional and tanning is relatively easy, few or no freckles.
- Phototype 4: The skin is matte, no freckles, brown or light brown hair. Tanning is easy and quick, sunburns exceptional.
- Phototype 5. The skin is naturally pigmented, sunburn is very rare and tanning is very easy.
- Phototype 6: The skin is black with the presence of brown melanins giving it a protective effect.
- Family predisposition
About 10% of people with melanoma have a family history. This does not mean that skin cancer is hereditary or genetic, but it is important for a person who has multiple family members with melanoma to have their skin checked very regularly.
- How to prevent skin cancer?
The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect yourself from the sun, by preserving your solar capital. To do this, several recommendations: avoid exposure for babies and children under 3 years old, do not expose yourself (even adults!) between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., systematically use a high-factor sunscreen and reapply it very regularly, wear anti-UV swimsuits and clothing such as those offered by Canopea, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
See our collection of anti-UV swimsuits for babies, girls and boys, it's by here .
