By now, most of us know the following facts about skin cancer: melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer; it’s typically caused by overexposure to the sun or a tanning booth’s UV rays; and it typically starts out in a physical aspect by looking like an irregularly-shaped mole.
But what about the things that don’t get too much media coverage and might not even cross our minds?
What You May NOT Know
Melanoma is known as a dangerous skin cancer, which is indeed true; but did you know that it’s not just limited to skin? While the outer skin is most commonly affected, it can actually develop anywhere on the body – both inside and out. This includes your eyes, mouth, anus, vagina, urinary tract, palms and intestines.
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning beds is just one of the risk factors for skin cancer. Have you ever met a pale individual with light colored hair who jokingly said they “don’t tan, just burn easily”? This pale complexion is a big risk factor for various types of skin cancers. And, pale or not, if you’ve had any severe sunburn in the past, this also increases the likelihood of melanoma from developing in the future.
Perhaps the least known risk factor for skin cancer is occupational exposure to things such as coal tar, creosote, pitch and arsenic compounds.
Coal tar, creosote, pitch, and arsenic contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other chemical compounds known to be carcinogenic Here’s how they contribute to the development of cancer:
1. Coal Tar: It is a byproduct of the production of coke or gas from coal and contains a mixture of PAHs and other chemical compounds. These compounds bind to our DNA and cause mutations that may lead to cancer, particularly skin cancer. It is known to be carcinogenic to humans. Coal tar can be found in some types of anti-dandruff shampoos, psoriasis treatments, and sealing agents for paving.
2. Creosote: This tar is used to preserve wood and contains hundreds of chemicals, including PAHs. Prolonged exposure to creosote has been linked to skin, lung, and other types of cancers due to its mutagenic and carcinogenic properties. Creosote-treated wood is used for railroad ties, telephone poles, and outdoor structures like bridges and piers. It also contaminates the environment around these structures.
3. Pitch: This is a viscous liquid derived from the distillation of coal tar. It is composed of many toxic and carcinogenic compounds, including PAHs that increase the risk of lung and skin cancers. Pitch can be found in aluminum and roofing materials. Workers in industries that use or produce pitch for construction or aluminum smelting are at high risk of exposure.
4. Arsenic: Chronic exposure to arsenic, especially through drinking water, can lead to skin cancer plus bladder, lung, and kidney cancers. It induces oxidative stress that leads to DNA damage, as well as affecting the mechanisms related to DNA repair and cellular signaling pathways. Arsenic can be found in drinking water, especially in areas with high levels of naturally occurring arsenic in groundwater.
Certain dietary ingredients can potentially increase the risk of cancer, including skin cancer, when consumed in excessive amounts:
- Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of various cancers, including skin cancer.
- Aflatoxins: These are toxic byproducts produced by certain molds found in grains, nuts, and legumes.
- Acrylamide: A chemical compound that forms in some foods during frying, roasting, and baking at high temperatures.
- Nitrates and Nitrites: These are used as preservatives in cured meats like bacon, ham, and hot dogs. Under cooking at high heat they can be converted into compounds called nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic.
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): They can be present in meat or other foods that are cooked at very high temperatures.
- Heterocyclic Amines (HCAs): These are chemicals are alsocreated when meat is cooked at high temperatures. HCAs are mutagenic and they can cause changes in DNA that may increase the risk of cancer
A diet high in processed foods and red meats is also associated with higher rates of certain types of cancer. Conversely, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains has been associated with a reduced risk of several forms of cancer.
It is important to maintain a balanced diet, along with a healthy lifestyle and limiting exposure to the sun.
Your Pet is Not Immune
At first glance, we might assume that our furry companions are resistant to developing skin cancer because their fur protects them from the sun. Even though scientific studies for skin cancer in animals trail far behind that of humans, it has been proven that both dogs and cats can develop the disease. In fact, skin tumors are the most common type of tumor found on dogs and these can eventually develop into cancer if left unchecked. While the fur does offer some protection against the sun, exposed areas such as the nose are left unprotected. Just like with humans, UV radiation isn’t the only risk factor for skin cancer, but it’s certainly a big one.
Everyone is at Risk
Besides the information we learned in health class and by watching the news, these are certainly many other aspects that may have been missed along the way. It’s important to shake the idea that skin cancer is only caused by chronic tanners who don’t use sunscreen – anyone can be at risk. Remember also, not only can it appear on areas that don’t receive much exposure to the sun, such as the soles of your feet and the palms of your hands, but it can also be found on your eyes and inside your body.
How To Prevent Skin Cancer
The easiest way to spot skin cancer, especially melanoma, is by the signature irregular mole that looks raised. But other ways to spot it include sudden changes in sensation, tenderness, pain and bleeding skin. If you’re in any doubt about an odd-looking mole or patch of skin, be sure to set up an appointment with your dermatologist ASAP.
