Malignant melanoma is less common but more fatal than other types of skin cancer. It is the cancer of the melanocyte cells that produce melanin which is responsible for the pigmentation of the skin. The U.K. Cancer Research has found out in a recent cancer related search analysis that malignant melanoma is no more uncommon. In fact, the chances of malignant melanoma has increased five folds more since the 1970s pushing it to 5th place in the list of the commonest cancers in the U.K.
There is an approximate 13,000 cases of this skin cancer compared to the 1,800 cases in 1975 in the U.K. The recently calculated incidence rate shows that 17 in 100,000 people get malignant melanoma compared to the 3 in 100,000 incidence during the 70s indicating a 47% increase in the chances of skin cancer in Great Britain. Approximately 2,000 people die of malignant melanoma in a year in the U.K!
Scientists and doctors are blaming the practice of deliberate tanning at the beaches that gives a skin damaging sunburn and exposes the major part of the skin to the harmful of the UVA and UVB rays. The skin cancer related search analysis has also claimed that the abundance of the ‘sunbed’ is responsible for the dramatic rise in the number of skin cancer cases. The research team suggests some simple steps to take if you want to avoid exposing yourself to this deadly disease and they are:
- Cover up:
- Avoid the sun:
- Wear sunscreen:
It is recommended that you keep the most of the skin covered in a light colored comfortable cotton fabric when the sun is strong. Most people tend to bare more to cope with the heat but the sun rays getting direct access to your skin does not really help you feel any less sultry while damaging your skin and inviting the harmful rays all at the same time.
Of course you cannot sit in the comfort of your couch all summer just because it is so hot. You will have to go to school or college or to work but always remember to put on a light colored comfortable hat and big shades on the way. Plan all family or friends gatherings an hour after sun down.
Of course you do not need to be reminded to use the sunscreen 15 minutes before you leave the house during day time. But what you may not yet know is you need the sunscreen even indoors. The harmful rays can reach your room too. And make sure that you apply the sunscreen wherever the skin is exposed and not only on your face and neck. An effective sun block should have both UVA and UVB protection and a minimum of 30 SPF.
The cancer related search analysis also has a good news and that is, more people are surviving the disease now than earlier. Though there are more people being affected, only 2 out of 10 people get a fatal blow. The better news is, this rapid increase in the percentage can be controlled by simply staying away from the sun as long as possible.