Introduction
The majority of skin cancers are brought on by excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Sun lamps, tanning beds, and the sun itself can emit UV radiation. UV radiation can harm skin cells. One can reduce the likelihood of developing skin cancer by shielding the skin from the sun's UV rays and avoiding artificial UV exposure sources, including sunlamps and tanning beds. A multifaceted strategy is needed to prevent skin cancer, including community-based programs that encourage sun safety, increase awareness, and give people access to resources for early identification and treatment.
How Frequently Does Skin Cancer Occur?
Over the past few decades, there has been an increase in the incidence of skin cancers. Melanoma and non-melanoma are the two kinds of skin cancer. The two most common non-melanoma malignancies are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Skin melanoma is the 17th most common type of cancer globally. It is ranked 13th among cancers in men and 15th among cancers in women. About 150,000 cases of skin melanoma were diagnosed for the first time in 2020.
The atmosphere's ability to act as a protective filter is diminished as ozone levels drop, allowing more solar ultraviolet light to reach the Earth's surface. A ten percent drop in ozone levels is predicted to cause an extra 300,000 cases of non-melanoma and 4,500 cases of melanoma skin cancer. Although melanoma is becoming more common worldwide, excessive sun exposure and a history of sunburn appear to be the primary risk factors for the disease's development.
What Are the Common Risk Factors for Developing Skin Cancer?
One of the main contributing factors and the most preventable risk factor for getting skin cancer is UVR (ultraviolet radiation) exposure from the sun, as well as indoor tanning systems. Several characteristics are considered genetic risk factors for skin cancer. They are pale complexion, blue or green eyes, blond or red hair, a high frequency of benign pigmented nevi (moles), and a history of skin cancer in one's family or personally. Excessive UVR exposure to the skin frequently causes sunburns (skin reddening) or suntans (browning of the skin), with color changes in the skin corresponding to the degree of skin cell damage and sun exposure intensity.
Latitude, temperature, altitude, season, and time of day are some of the environmental elements that influence how much UVR an individual receives. The International Agency for Research on Cancer and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are two organizations that support effective UVR protection measures to reduce the negative effects of UVR exposure. These measures include looking for shade, especially during the midday hours; using a hat with a wide brim that covers the head, neck, and face; covering up to protect exposed skin; using sunscreen with UVA and UVB (broad spectrum) protection and sun protective factor 15 or higher; and avoiding tanning indoors.
What Are the Community Initiatives Implemented to Prevent Skin Cancer?
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A combination of print (such as newspapers, and magazines), broadcast (such as radio, and TV), billboard, and online media are used to provide behavioral guidance or information to the public to prevent skin cancer by lowering exposure to UVR. While interventions usually rely on wide distribution channels, messages can be tailored to particular populations.
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Some programs offer current data on the UV index, or solar radiation intensity, to increase public awareness and encourage UVR protective techniques. Some advocate for changes in beliefs, objectives, attitudes, and UVR-protective actions by utilizing strategies that spread awareness of the risks associated with UVR exposure.
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To spread awareness of campaign messaging, interventions other than mainstream media could include promotional products or small media (such as leaflets, flyers, and newsletters).
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New techniques for disseminating information to the general public through media, particularly the Internet and social media, have been made possible by technological advancements. Therefore, skin cancer awareness that made use of new media, that is, the Internet and social media, is also done.
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Some community interventions aim to prevent skin cancer by combining individually directed strategies (like education) with multimedia campaigns, as well as environmental and policy changes (like installing shade areas, giving sunscreen, and using school-based policies to limit activities outside during peak UVR hours).
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Typically, they are presented with a predetermined name, theme, logo, and messaging. However, the length of the program (months to years) and the amount of components or strategies employed varies greatly.
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Significant work has been done to enhance the adoption of sun protection behaviors since the implementation of the earlier community measures. Public education and social marketing initiatives aimed at specific target populations and population-level initiatives are done. Programs that are customized, focused, and cooperative in educational and athletic environments with comprehensive initiatives aimed at key groups, such as outside laborers, are also implemented.
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Providing shade for everyone in the community is essential to preventing skin cancer. Both the built and natural environments can offer high-quality shade, such as covered outdoor learning spaces in schools, shading structures for workplaces, playgrounds, and walkways, thoughtful planting of trees within the built environment, and shade shelters at bus stops.
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Examples of the former include tree canopies and portable shade. In addition to promoting the use of sun protection practices, shade projects also encourage physical activity and the use of active transportation in outdoor areas.
Conclusion
Skin cancer prevention involves an integrated strategy for protecting oneself from dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Skin cancer cannot be completely prevented, but some steps may be taken to reduce the likelihood of developing it. Community-based programs are essential in preventing skin cancer as they increase public awareness, encourage sun safety, and give people access to the necessary resources for early diagnosis and treatment. These programs, which involve individuals, families, educational institutions, companies, and community organizations, can encourage people to take preventative measures to safeguard their skin and lower their chance of getting skin cancer.
