Understanding Skin Cancer: Definition, Symptoms, and Causes
Skin cancer has become a health challenge for everyone. If you used to only wear sunscreen outdoors, its use is now increasingly important at all times, even if you are just doing activities indoors.
Consisting of both aggressive and non-aggressive types, it would be better if you were more educated about this condition. Furthermore, early detection will always be the key to more effective prevention and treatment.
What Is Skin Cancer?

This cancer condition begins with a DNA mutation that occurs in skin cells. Besides causing uncontrolled cell growth, the massive growth of these cells, which defies the natural cycle, forms colonies—some of which even spread [1].
Generally, UV rays are the main culprit behind this condition. However, if you can detect this condition as early as possible, skin cancer is highly curable.
Is skin cancer contagious? No—but this condition can spread to other skin tissues, especially if the cells are aggressive and capable of metastasis.
Getting to Know the Types of Skin Cancer

Is skin cancer dangerous? Yes, this condition is dangerous without appropriate follow-up. Based on their characteristics, there are several types with different levels of malignancy [2].
1. Melanoma
The most aggressive cancer that occurs in the skin is called melanoma. In addition to being aggressive, this type can metastasize very quickly. Generally, you will see the formation of new skin tags with a darker color that tend to expand.
2. Basal Cell Carcinoma
The next type is BCC or Basal Cell Carcinoma. Being a less aggressive type of cancer, its growth is slower and it does not spread. However, surrounding tissues will be damaged if there is no immediate follow-up.
3. Squamous Cell Carcinoma
SCC or Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the next quite common type. Having a more aggressive character than its counterpart, BCC, this type can metastasize. However, the prognosis shows a positive tendency, especially if detected early.
There are still other non-melanoma types. These types are quite rare and tend to be very aggressive. Regardless of the type, performing self-detection and regular check-ups with a doctor is a smart choice to avoid this skin-damaging cancer.
Watch Out for the Signs and Prevent the Causes

The signs and symptoms that occur generally vary, although all will appear on the skin surface first. Here are some features of skin cancer that you should watch out for [1].
- Skin tags appear in different colors, which can be brown, red, blue, or black. Some appear as raised, asymmetrical moles with fluid and blood in the center.
- The appearance of a sore that does not heal. Some of these are watery, pus-filled, and bleed with reddish edges.
- The skin feels itchy and uncomfortable, accompanied by peeling for no apparent reason.
Skin cancer is not a process that happens overnight. Aside from developing over years, many people do not realize that they have high-risk factors.
Therefore, recognizing the causes of skin cancer and minimizing their probability is key, such as:
- Being exposed to excessive UV radiation that damages skin cell DNA.
- Having a family history of similar cancer or a genetic predisposition.
- People with fair skin have a higher risk of damage from UV rays.
- Exposure to arsenic.
- Having a routine involving tanning beds.
How Is Skin Cancer Diagnosed?

Can skin cancer be cured? Of course, but it requires early detection so that the cancer cells have not reached an advanced stage.
To make a diagnosis [3], a doctor will start by examining the skin and performing a biopsy if necessary. This biopsy involves taking a tissue sample from a suspicious lesion. If the cancer is a melanoma, additional procedures such as dermoscopy for initial examination are needed.
The treatment steps taken also depend on the type and stage. The initial option is to remove the tumor so it does not cause further damage to the surrounding tissue.
Then, the doctor will suggest radiation to destroy cancer cells in specific areas, which is carried out after the main treatment option.
Chemotherapy will be the next option. In addition to being administered through the blood, drugs can be applied directly to the area affected by cancer cells. Other steps that may need to be taken are targeted therapy and immunotherapy to destroy cancer cells via the immune system.
Prevention

As explained previously, using sunscreen should now also be done indoors, and pay attention to its SPF.
In addition, perform self-skin examinations and report to your doctor if there are suspicious findings. Then, adopt a nutritious and balanced diet while also quitting smoking.
Also, complement your daily routine with herbal and beneficial supplements such as Sido Muncul Sari Kunyit Putih. Rich in antioxidants and having anti-inflammatory properties, the white turmeric that serves as the main ingredient in this supplement supports the immune system optimally, especially for cancer patients [4].
As part of a daily health regimen, Sido Muncul Sari Kunyit Putih can help strengthen your body's defenses naturally. Don't wait for symptoms to appear! Be proactive with preventative awareness to save your life and avoid skin cancer.