Now that we’ve looked at the therapeutic effects of sun exposure and what to look for and avoid in sunscreens, let’s look at the correlation of sun exposure and skin cancer and the warning signs of skin cancer.
Per Ani Papazyan, Integrative Therapist and Nutritionist:
“The issue of skin cancer has been directly correlated to the introduction of and increased consumption of hydrogenated oils in our diet. Hydrogenated oils have replaced the good healthy oils that naturally occur in foods for the purposes of prolonging shelf life and the ease of manufacturing, distribution, and preservation of appearance concerns, all at the expense of our over-all health.
In addition, most of the cooking oils (such as corn oil, safflower, sunflower, sesame oils) on the market are so high in omega-6 fats (virtually 100%) that it distorts the healthy omega-6 to omega-3 ratio out of balance. This ratio is important in resistance towards cancer and most particularly skin cancer. The ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 should be about 1:1 while the typical American has a ratio of about 15:1.
In 2001, the National Academy of Sciences published a comprehensive review showing that the omega 6:3 ratio was the key to preventing skin cancer development. More on this study.”
What this means is that sun exposure mixed with other parameters like the presence of hydrogenated oils together can lead to skin cancer. What Papazyan recommends is replacing hydrogenated oils with high quality essential fatty acid oils such as high quality extra virgin olive oil or grade 10 coconut oil.
With skin cancer on the rise and the number of people with melanomas tripling in the past 35 years, let’s take a look at the ABCDEs of skin cancer.
The ABCDE of Skin Cancer
It is highly recommended that you do a monthly head-to-toe exam and see your dermatologist on an annual basis. If skin cancer runs in your family like it does in mine, maybe you want to go every six months. Both my father and sister had melanomas. My father had a 1 pound tumor removed from his back while my sister had her middle toe amputated. Not fun! Check with your doctor to see what makes sense for you.
As with everything, early detection is key and can save your toe or your life!
The Skin Cancer Foundation says to “take note of any new moles or growths, and any existing growths that begin to grow or change significantly in any other way. Lesions that change, itch, bleed, or don’t heal are also alarm signals.” Other warning signs of skin cancer, per the American Melanoma Foundation, include:
- The appearance of a new bump or nodule
- Color spreads into surrounding skin
- Redness or swelling beyond the mole
- Pain or tenderness
- Itching
- Bleeding
- Oozing
- Scaly appearance
Asymmetry:
Border:
Color:
Diameter:
Elevation and Evolving:
Evolving: Any change — in size, shape, color, elevation, or another trait, or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching or crusting — points to danger.
Sources or For More Information about Skin Cancer
Sun Exposure & Sunscreen: Friend or Foe? Part 1
Sun Exposure & Sunscreen: Friend or Foe? Part 2
* Images are courtesy of the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Skin cancer is not something I’ve worried too much about because I’ve always heard it was connected to being in the sun. Since I’m one of those people that really hates being out of doors for any length of time, especially in the summer, I so my best to get from the house to the car and then to the shop (or destination) as quickly as possible. In the heat of the summer I don’t even have my blinds open so the sun is not something I soak up very much.
However, I was shocked to read the it’s also now connected to the use of oils in our diets. I guess it’s time I did a head to toe look over me.
Thanks for sharing.
Erica from http://startingafter50.com
Very informational and something all of us should know! Thank you.
Thank you for this. It’s SO VERY informative. I have such a crazy history of cancer in my family (BRCA2 Gene + melanoma + others) but my HUSBAND’S family has had a ton of skin cancer. I’m constantly searching his back for changes, as this is how his brother’s wife found HIS deadly skin cancer lesion. And now I have a reference for this. Excellent. I will be going back to read Part 1 & 2.
Thank you so much! I’m glad it was helpful. I’m sorry to hear about your and your husband’s family’s history of skin cancer. One product you may want to look into is C-herb by Path to Health. Friends of mine and I have been using it successfully for years on suspicious moles. If they is anything wrong with the mole, it will react within a few days and your body will start attacking it, eventually getting rid of it. It’s crazy what happens within a couple of weeks. http://www.path-to-health.com. I’d love to hear your thoughts.