Skin Cancer
 
 

The incidence of skin cancer has increased significantly over the past few years. Sun exposure, particularly in fair skinned individuals, can cause skin cancer which should not be confused with the benign spots of aging. Any spot that peels, crusts, itches, hurts changes color, suddenly appears, or cannot be identified as benign, should be assessed by a dennatologist. These signs may indicate a cancer. Fortunately, most skin cancer can be cured, particularly if recognized and treated early.

Most skin cancers are attributable
to UV damage to skin cells’ genetic material: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Protection from sun exposure is by far the most effective measure anyone can take to prevent aging of the skin as well as potentially serious health problems such as skin cancer. Severely sun-damaged skin may be rough due to the presence of myriad solar keratoses. These growths can eventually become cancerous. Dermatology has played a vital role in informing the public about skin cancer and its prevention. In this regard, sunscreens and photoprotection have proved essential tools in skin cancer prevention.

UV exposure from the sun increases the risk of skin
cancer, premature skin aging, and other skin damage. It is important to decrease the UV exposure by limiting the time in the sun, wearing protective clothing, and using a sunscreen.

In 2003, Burke et al.  confirmed that topical vitamin E and topical L-selenomethionine plus oral vitamin E were effective in protecting against skin cancer (animal model).

In 1979, good UVA filters became available. From that time on, it became possible to commercialize sun products with a broad protection against UVB and UVA at the same time. This became necessary because sunscreens were also used more and more to prevent
skin ageing and skin cancer and to protect photosensitive skin, which was much more than
just preventing sunburn.