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Undoubtedly cancer is a real concern for many people in Ireland. A lot of my patients are concerned about skin cancers such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in particular, and given it is the most common form of cancer in Ireland, this is not surprising.
There are steps you can take to help reduce your chances of developing skin cancer, such as wearing SPF every day and making yourself aware of the facts around the disease but I also think it is important to consider your overall health. Living a healthier lifestyle can only bring improvements.
Here are some of the key steps you can take to improve your health and help to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.
An obvious one but a very important point, I feel. Cigarette smoking is the single biggest risk factor for lung cancer but it has many other, proven links to skin cancer and ill health in general. As mentioned here, a study has shown that smoking dramatically increases your risk of squamous cell carcinoma (by 52%), with smoking’s harmful effects on the immune system making those who consume tobacco more likely to develop skin cancer as a result.
If you were going to do one thing to improve your overall health, I would advise giving up smoking. Deciding to quit could prolong, or even save, your life. It’s also worth remembering that second hand smoke is also dangerous, particularly for children. Keep your home smoke free and where possible, avoid time spent in smoky environments.
A healthy body is an active one, and I would advise doing at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. It will boost your overall health and improve your immune system. If you’re not currently active, take it slowly. Small steps at first, such as taking the stairs instead of the lift or parking a little further away from your destination will all add up.
A good healthy diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and wholegrains is essential for good overall health and the antioxidants in such a diet can help reduce the risk of skin cancer occurring.
Try to reduce your salt and sugar intake and if you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Alcohol has been linked to many cancers so try to limit your consumption. Similarly, keeping to a healthy weight for your height will help stave off a lot of problems in the future.
As I mentioned earlier, skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer here in Ireland. It is so important to take care of skin and protect it from UV rays all year round – not just in hot summer sunshine on holidays. Perform regular skin checks on yourself and your family and if you are concerned about any moles or markings, check with your doctor.
The European Commission and the International Agency for Research on Cancer have compiled a European Code Against Cancer. It was designed to show people the sort of steps they can take for themselves and their families to help reduce the risk of cancer. It is a helpful reminder of what to do and you can find it online here.
If you are concerned about your moles or lesions on your skin or that of a loved one, arrange a consultation with me at my clinic, and download our guide to sun protection:
Download Mr Chan's Guide to Proper Sunscreen Use
Undoubtedly cancer is a real concern for many people in Ireland. A lot of my patients are concerned about skin cancers such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in particular, and given it is the most common form of cancer in Ireland, this is not surprising.
There are steps you can take to help reduce your chances of developing skin cancer, such as wearing SPF every day and making yourself aware of the facts around the disease but I also think it is important to consider your overall health. Living a healthier lifestyle can only bring improvements.
Here are some of the key steps you can take to improve your health and help to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.
An obvious one but a very important point, I feel. Cigarette smoking is the single biggest risk factor for lung cancer but it has many other, proven links to skin cancer and ill health in general. As mentioned here, a study has shown that smoking dramatically increases your risk of squamous cell carcinoma (by 52%), with smoking’s harmful effects on the immune system making those who consume tobacco more likely to develop skin cancer as a result.
If you were going to do one thing to improve your overall health, I would advise giving up smoking. Deciding to quit could prolong, or even save, your life. It’s also worth remembering that second hand smoke is also dangerous, particularly for children. Keep your home smoke free and where possible, avoid time spent in smoky environments.
A healthy body is an active one, and I would advise doing at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. It will boost your overall health and improve your immune system. If you’re not currently active, take it slowly. Small steps at first, such as taking the stairs instead of the lift or parking a little further away from your destination will all add up.
A good healthy diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and wholegrains is essential for good overall health and the antioxidants in such a diet can help reduce the risk of skin cancer occurring.
Try to reduce your salt and sugar intake and if you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Alcohol has been linked to many cancers so try to limit your consumption. Similarly, keeping to a healthy weight for your height will help stave off a lot of problems in the future.
As I mentioned earlier, skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer here in Ireland. It is so important to take care of skin and protect it from UV rays all year round – not just in hot summer sunshine on holidays. Perform regular skin checks on yourself and your family and if you are concerned about any moles or markings, check with your doctor.
The European Commission and the International Agency for Research on Cancer have compiled a European Code Against Cancer. It was designed to show people the sort of steps they can take for themselves and their families to help reduce the risk of cancer. It is a helpful reminder of what to do and you can find it online here.
If you are concerned about your moles or lesions on your skin or that of a loved one, arrange a consultation with me at my clinic, and download our guide to sun protection:
Download Mr Chan's Guide to Proper Sunscreen Use
