Skin cancer is one of the most common cancer types, affecting millions of people worldwide each year.1 But how does skin cancer start? Understanding the causes and risk factors of skin cancer is crucial for both prevention and early detection. While many people are familiar with the dangers of sun exposure, there are several other factors that contribute to the development of this disease.
In this article, we’ll explore how skin cancer occurs, the primary causes, and the vulnerable groups at risk. We’ll also discuss conventional and holistic approaches to skin cancer treatment and prevention, offering actionable steps to help protect your skin and overall health.
Understanding Skin Cancer
Skin cancer begins in the skin cells when they start to grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. There are several types of skin cancer, each originating in different types of skin cells. The most common forms include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma skin cancer.
- Basal cell carcinoma: This is the most common type of skin cancer. It typically starts in the basal cells, which are found in the lower part of the epidermis. Basal cell carcinoma often appears as a small, flesh-colored bump or a pinkish patch of skin, especially in areas exposed to the sun.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: This type of cancer begins in the squamous cells, which make up most of the skin’s upper layers. Squamous cell skin cancer is usually found in sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, and hands. It may present as a scaly red patch, an open sore, or a thickened, wart-like growth.
- Melanoma: The deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma, starts in the melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment in the skin. While it’s less common than other forms of skin cancer, melanoma can be considered a rare skin cancer in certain populations but is more likely to spread to different parts of the body if not caught early.
Primary Causes of Skin Cancer
So, how does skin cancer occur?
The development of skin cancer is largely influenced by external factors, the most significant being exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.2 However, it’s not just time spent in the sun that contributes to the risk. Artificial sources of UV lights also play a critical role in increasing the likelihood of skin cancer. Understanding these primary causes is essential for both preventing skin cancer and recognizing the early signs that something might be wrong.
UV Radiation and Sun Exposure
One of the leading causes of skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. When the skin is exposed to UV rays, it can damage the DNA in normal skin cells, leading to abnormal growth and, eventually, cancer. Sun exposure is particularly dangerous when it leads to sunburns, which increase the risk of developing both non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancer.
Tanning Beds and Artificial UV Sources
In addition to natural UV exposure, artificial UV sources like tanning beds can also increase the risk of skin cancer.2 Tanning beds emit UV radiation that penetrates the skin, damaging the cells and potentially leading to basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer, and melanoma. The Cancer Council and other health organizations strongly advise against the use of tanning beds, as they have been linked to an increased risk of certain types of skin cancer.
Risk Factors and Vulnerable Groups
While anyone can develop skin cancer, certain individuals are at a higher risk due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. These risk factors can range from family history to personal habits and physical characteristics. By identifying who is most vulnerable, we can tailor prevention strategies and encourage those at risk to take proactive steps in monitoring their skin health.
Here are some of the risk factors and vulnerable groups for skin cancer:
Genetic Factors and Family History
Is skin cancer genetic? Your genetic makeup plays a significant role in your risk of developing skin cancer. Individuals with a family history of skin cancer are more likely to develop the disease themselves. Certain genetic conditions, such as xeroderma pigmentosum and familial atypical multiple mole melanoma syndrome, further increase the risk. These conditions affect the skin’s ability to repair damage caused by UV radiation, making it more likely for cancer cells to form.
Skin Type and Personal History of Skin Cancer
People with fair skin, light-colored eyes, and red or blonde hair are at a higher risk of skin cancer due to the lower amount of melanin in their skin.4 Melanin provides some protection against UV radiation, and those with less melanin are more susceptible to skin damage.
Moreover, individuals with a personal history of skin cancer are at an increased risk of developing the disease again, particularly in areas that have already been treated for nonmelanoma skin cancer or melanoma.
Prevention and Holistic Approaches
Preventing skin cancer involves more than just shielding yourself from the sun. It’s about taking proactive steps to care for your skin and overall health. Traditional prevention methods like using sunscreen and undergoing regular check-ups are essential, but integrating holistic practices can further support your body’s natural defenses.
Conventional Prevention Strategies
Preventing skin cancer involves a combination of lifestyle changes and regular screenings. Here are some key strategies:
- Use Sunscreen: Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is one of the most effective ways to protect your skin from UV radiation. Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses can help shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Clothing with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating offers additional protection.
- Seek Shade: Avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) when UV rays are strongest. Seeking shade under an umbrella or tree can significantly reduce your risk of sun exposure.
- Regular Skin Check-Ups: Conducting regular self-exams and visiting a dermatologist for professional skin checks can help detect skin cancer symptoms early. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment, especially for melanoma, which can spread quickly if not caught in time.
Holistic and Alternative Approaches to Skin Health
At the Immunity Therapy Center, we believe in a holistic approach to skin health, such as alternative therapies that support overall wellness. Here are some holistic strategies to consider:
- Nutrition Therapy: A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals from nutrition therapy can help protect your skin from damage and support its natural healing processes. Foods like leafy greens, berries, and nuts provide essential nutrients that can bolster your skin’s defenses against UV radiation.
- Oxygen Therapy: This alternative therapy involves the administration of ozone to increase oxygen levels in the body, which can enhance the immune system and promote the healing of damaged skin cells. While more research is needed, some studies suggest that oxygen therapy may help in preventing the development of cancer cells in the skin.
- Hyperthermia Therapy: This hyperthermia therapy involves applying controlled heat to the body to enhance the effectiveness of other treatments and stimulate the immune system. By increasing the temperature of cancerous cells, hyperthermia can help destroy them while sparing healthy tissue.
- Sonodynamic Therapy (SDT): This treatment uses sound waves in combination with light-sensitive agents to target and destroy cancer cells. Sonodynamic therapy is a noninvasive approach that can support the body’s natural healing processes and enhance overall skin health.
Holisitic Treatment at ITC
At the Immunity Therapy Center, we are dedicated to offering alternative therapies that support your overall health and well-being. Whether you’re looking to prevent skin cancer or seeking alternative skin cancer treatment options, we’re here to provide compassionate care customized to your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about our holistic approach to cancer care and how we can support you on your journey to better health.
Written By: Dr. Pablo Orozco
Dr. Pablo Orozco is a Board Certified Medical Doctor from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California.
Dr. Orozco has been a treating physician at the Immunity Therapy Center for more than 3 years providing daily on site patient care. He works with patients on a daily basis and guides them through the treatment process. Dr. Orozco’s passion for Alternative Cancer Treatments along with his commitment to patient care is key to insure that our patients have the best experience and results possible.
Sources:
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. Skin cancer. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-skin-cancer
- American Cancer Society. UV (Ultraviolet) Radiation and Cancer Risk. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/sun-and-uv/uv-radiation.html
- National Institutes of Health. UV Radiation and the Skin. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3709783/
At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.