Did you know that skin is the largest organ of the human body? It is also the most important one as it protects all of the other organs that make our body function. It protects our body from germs and bacteria and informs the brain of important factors like whether we are cold or feel pain.
There are two types of skin cancer – the less serious non-melanomas and melanomas.
Non-melanomas do not develop from melanocytes – types of cells in the layer of skin called epidermis. Melanocytes produce pigments, which help to protect the body from the harmful effects of the sun. Non-melanomas develop from other skin cells and rarely spread. These benign (non-cancerous) cells rarely develop into cancer.
Melanomas, however, you should be worried about. The risk of getting melanoma is especially high in people who have light skin and are often exposed to sunlight in large quantities. However, also dark-skinned people can get melanoma. The symptoms can be a large and increasing amount of unusual moles and other changes in skin condition. You should also be worried if you have had serious sunburns in the past.
Even melanoma can be treated when discovered early enough, so see a doctor if you have any doubts or concerns.
