Skin cancer Protect from the sun on a small scale

Take care of children with adequate sunscreen
In the summer vacation but also at home parents should pay attention to a sufficient sun protection with their children. Already five childhood sunburns double the risk of skin cancer in adulthood, as reported by Johannes Neuhofer, Vice President of the Medical Association of Upper Austria (OÖÄK) and expert group chairman of Upper Austrian dermatologists to "volksblatt.at". New moles and stains should be examined by a specialist once a year. The earlier skin cancer is detected, the better the chances of recovery.

Black skin cancer can be fatal
Skin cancer screening can save lives. Because the small black spots on the skin are not always harmless. This can be the dangerous black skin cancer, malignant melanoma, which tends to metastasize and can end in death. The white skin cancer is considered to be safer compared to the black, but must also be removed as soon as possible.

Adequate sunscreen is especially important for children. Image: yanlev / fotolia.com

Doctors distinguish between two forms of white skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma occurs most frequently, according to German Cancer Aid. This type of cancer usually makes itself felt around the age of 50 years. First, a small, skin-colored knot forms, which can be accompanied by small, rough spots that do not heal and bleed or itch repeatedly.

Squamous cell carcinoma (also called spiny cell cancer) affects men more often than women. This type of cancer usually develops from a precancer, the so-called "actinic keratosis". Particularly affected are areas of the skin that are often exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck and back of the hand. As reported by the German Cancer Aid, squamous cell carcinoma is a relatively sharply defined redness that occurs again and again.

Doctors recommend having birthmarks and spots checked once a year. According to the German Cancer Society alone, every year in Germany alone, up to 200,000 people get new skin cancers. The German Cancer Aid even assumes 234,000 new cases. More than 20,000 diagnoses relate to the dangerous black skin cancer.

Intense sunbathing is considered the main cause of skin cancer
Skin cancer is often due to intense sunbathing without adequate sun protection. Not every skin type is equally vulnerable. Anyone who has fair skin and is prone to sunburn has the highest risk of skin cancer. Nevertheless, even people with dark complexions should by no means forego adequate sun protection.

"The skin has a memory like an elephant. Five sunburns in childhood double the risk of developing melanoma as an adult, "says Neuhofer. Parents should therefore take care with their children that they are adequately protected. This includes a hat and body as possible clothing and sunscreen with a high SPF. In the midday heat, when the sun's rays are strongest between 11am and 3pm, children should not be in the sun. (Ag)