Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer that occurs globally. It accounts for a small percentage of all cancers in India, but it is significant. The one prominent reason for patients developing skin cancer in India is continuous exposure to the sun. In a study, a majority (92%) of patients reported that they work in agricultural or other jobs involving continuous exposure to the sun. Therefore, we need to know what skin cancer is and how it occurs? Skin cancer usually appears on the skin that is most exposed to the sun. The harmful UV rays from the sun can damage the skin cells and result in cancer. Know more about diseases.

The most prevalent reason for getting skin cancer is prolonged exposure to the sun. But, it is not the only cause. Various factors such as family history, weak immune system, and exposure to harmful radiation can have a lead role in developing cancer. Although, sometimes the reasons are unknown. Simply put, skin cancer is the irregular growth of skin cells. This results from an error in the skin cell's DNA, leading to abnormal development. But, the good news is that almost all types of skin cancers are treatable. They are mainly three types of skin cancer- Basal cell skin cancer, Squamous cell skin cancer, and Melanoma. Merkel cell skin cancer, Kaposi sarcoma, and lymphoma are some of the rare types of skin cancer. Basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer, and other rare skin cancer are also called non-melanoma cancer.

Skin cancer has the highest treatment success rates compared to the type of cancer. Therefore it is necessary to seek the treatment early. For that, you need to know the signs of skin cancers. Depending on the type of skin cancer, the symptoms vary. Some common warning signs include

• Basal cell skin cancer:
  • A small and smooth bump on the face, ear or neck.
  • It looks pearly or waxy and may also bleed.
  • Flat spot on legs and arms that can be pink, brown or red
• Squamous cell skin cancer:
  • A firm, scaly nodule that looks like an unhealed pimple
• Melanoma:
  • A sudden change in mole's size, shape and colour
  • Or a new mole that looks abnormal, asymmetric, varying in colour.
  • It develops on the chest or back in men and women on the legs

Different types of skin cancer have different causes behind. And they are entirely different from the other.

• Basal cell skin cancer (BCC):

  Basal cell skin cancer is the most common form of skin cancer worldwide. It usually develops on the most sun-exposed body areas, e.g. face and neck. It grows slowly on the body areas and can damage the other skin cells and tissues. Usually, this type of skin cancer is not life-threatening. Upon early diagnosis, basal cell cancer can be treated.

• Squamous cell skin cancer:

  This is the second most common skin cancer after Basal cell skin cancer. It can occur to anyone. But, it is most common in people with darker skin tones and it is developed on the body parts that are not usually exposed to the sun.

• Melanoma:

  Melanoma is the rarest form of skin cancer. It accounts for only one per cent of skin cancers in the world. It is a deadly form of skin cancer that can lead to death if left untreated. Melanoma comes from the word “Melanin”, which is the colour of cells. Cancer can cause benign moles to grow and eventually change their size and shape.

As discussed earlier, early diagnosis can result in successful treatment. The diagnosis often involves skin tests like biopsy and scans. In a biopsy, a part of the skin that might be cancerous is taken and tested in labs. The treatment of skin cancer varies according to the type and stage of cancer. But it primarily involves treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, drugs to kill cancerous cells and Mohs surgery.

• Wear sunscreen before going out in the sun. Wear at least 30 or more SPF sunscreen on the face, legs, arms and lips.
• Reapply with the sunscreen in case of excessive sweating or swimming
• Avoid going out when the sun is at its strongest, i.e. 11 am to 4 pm
• Try to expose yourself less to sunlight, and wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.
• Tanning sessions should be avoided.
• Regular skin checks are essential for people with a history of skin cancer in their families or regular sunburns.

In India, skin cancer is not as common as other cancers, but it is not rare. We live in a warm and tropical country with the sun shining on our heads all year. Along with all the necessary precautions, it is essential to have financial safety for odd times.

• Safeguard against all critical illnesses:

  All forms are cancer are becoming more common in India over the past two decades. As the cost of cancer treatments is continuously rising, cancer-specific insurances are providing a helping hand or it. In general health insurance, skin cancer is always considered a critical illness. But, there are also some good skin cancer-specific insurance catering to the monetary needs of cancer treatment

• Ever-increasing medical expenses:

  With advancements in medical infrastructure and technologies, medical expenses are also increasing. Skin cancer needs a lot of advanced technologies for its treatments. Health insurance can insure a lump sum of money for the treatment.

Before buying any life insurance, it is necessary to know about all the inclusions and exclusions of the insurance to rest assured. Read the policy documents carefully from beginning to end to be aware of the inclusions. There is some standard inclusion in every skin cancer-specific insurance.

• Inpatient hospitalisation:

  Suppose the patient is admitted to the hospital due to skin cancer. The charges of the hospital room, ICU rooms, doctor and nurse fees are insured by the insurance company.

• Pre and post hospitalisation:

  The cost of medicines before hospitalisation can also be claimed by the insurer. Any follow-ups for the treatment are also covered in the insurance claim.

With inclusions, there are exclusions too, in health insurance. Good insurance is - minimum exclusions and maximum coverage. There are some standard exclusions from most health insurance.

• Diagnosis tests:

  In the case of skin cancer, early diagnosis requires many skin tests and visualising tests. The charges of such tests are not covered in the insurance claim. The insurance claims mainly involve the treatment costs, not the diagnosis costs.

• Pre-existing conditions:

  Buying a health insurance policy for immediate treatment won't make sense if you have skin cancer already. As there will be a waiting period for the treatment expenses from the company.