As soon as the summer arrives, the beaches fill up with sun worshippers longing for a quick all-over suntan without the fear of getting burnt. However, a new type of skin cancer has appeared the world over in recent years and, although it only represents 3% of all tumours, it is currently the fastest growing form of the disease.

 

The causes of the increase have yet to be cleared up, but one of the easiest ways to avoid it is to avoid excessive contact with the sun because it ages the skin and leaves it more exposed.  Melanomas are increasing at the rate of 100,000 new cases a year, some 15% up on the previous decade, and although most of the patients are young (under 40 and with normal skin types), there is no doubt that the chances of catching this form of cancer increase with age.

 

Melanomas form when the body�s melan-A cells (which give the skin its colour) undergo a cancerous transformation. This generally only occurs in adults, but it can also affect children and adolescents. The skin is composed of two layers, dermis and epidermis, and it is in the latter, the most external, that the melan-A cells (which give the skin its colour) are found. There are many types of cancer and melanomas are among the most serious, but if they are detected in time they can also be cured. They are easy to recognise because the skin changes colour, and looks like an injury that will not cure or a red patch that is raw and flaky. In these cases time is of the essence because a melanoma can spread via the lymphatic system or the blood to other parts of the body.  They can appear on any part of the body, including the genital area or on the palms of the hands. Men tend to suffer more from melanomas forming on the head, neck or upper body, while in women melanomas tend to appear on the arms and legs. In any case it should be remembered that not all skin cancers are melanomas and not all tumours are cancerous.

 

When the skin is exposed to the sun, the melan-A cells produce greater quantities of melanin and the skin starts tanning. These types of cells are the same ones that also cause moles. There is no problem with having moles, as we all have them, some from birth and others that can appear later. The important thing is not to touch them. You should also keep in mind that moles can develop into malignant tumours. For this reason, all those who are at risk of developing malignant tumours  should undergo periodical skin examinations to ensure that they have no reason to worry. Self examination can be conducted by placing yourself in front of two mirrors to check out the front and back of your body, lifting up your arms and examining the sides of your torso, your arms, palms of your hands, and your armpits. Do the same with your lower body, face and scalp.

 

The alarm bells tend to ring when you notice that a mole has increased in size or has changed its appearance or colour, or else that a new mole has appeared. In any case, you should consult a dermatologist and ask for a thorough skin examination. The specialist will confirm whether or not there is any cause for concern and, if so, decide whether or not to remove it to later examine it. After the surgery the patient will undergo a treatment to destroy the cancerous cells, which could take the form of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or biotherapy, etc. Some people are especially at risk of developing melanomas, above all those who have suffered from them previously, have many moles or have family precedents.

 

It has been proven that the sun has a positive effect on one�s mood and is an essential part of certain functions, such as the ability to synthesise vitamin D. However, in order to prevent melanomas from forming, great care must be taken with the sun. Above all avoid exposure in the middle of the day � from midday to four in the afternoon � and protect yourself with a hat, sunglasses and repeatedly applied sun cream.

 

The skin must gradually get used to the sun�s rays, so it is best not to expose yourself too much in the first few days of sun. Special care should be taken with children because their skin is still sensitive to UV rays and on very hot days they should be protected even when in the shade. There is a theory that many skin tumours are caused by sunburns suffered in infancy. For this reason it is best to apply a high sun factor cream or else a total sun block, hat and even a top when the sun is at its most extreme. Babies under six months of age should never be exposed to direct sunlight and it would be best to keep them in the shade until they reach three years of age.

 

It is very important that everyone is aware of their skin type, to know the level of protection they require. It is essential for everyone to use sun cream with a factor of at least 15, and to apply it at least half an hour before lying in the sun. It is also best to apply more cream after a couple of hours and always after bathing. Also, contrary to popular opinion, even if the day is cloudy or you are sitting in the shade there is still cause for concern because the sun�s rays cut through barriers of this type and can still cause problems.