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Skin Cancer Determinants

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Health Determinants of Skin Cancer

Introduction
Skin cancer is a growing issue globally, but specifically in Australia with an estimated two in three Australians being diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are seventy (Understanding Skin Cancer: A guide for people with cancer, their families and friends, 2016). ‘Skin cancer' is a term incorporating three different types of cancer found in the epidermis layer of the skin, in either the basal cells, squamous cells or melanocytes. Thus, the type of cell they are found in determines the type of skin cancer present; basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma respectively (Understanding Skin Cancer: A guide for people with cancer, their families and friends, 2016). The most …show more content…

Therefore, the three main biological determinants are; age, sex, and genetics. These three biological determinants have a large influence on the development of basal cell carcinoma. 80% of cases of non-melanoma skin cancers are present in those aged 60 years or over (Madan, Lear, & Szeimies, 2010), thus making age a huge risk factor for the disease. Individuals can also have a genetic predisposition to any type of skin cancer, therefore increasing the risk of getting the disease. People with a genetic predisposition to other genetic conditions related to basal cells or the skin, for example, basal cell naevus syndrome, are also at an increased risk of developing skin cancer (Schwartz, 2016). Genetics in relation to skin colour also has a strong association with the development of skin cancer. Those with fair/light skin are more likely to get skin cancer than those with a darker skin colour. Lastly, males also have a slightly higher risk of getting the disease than females (Madan, Lear, & Szeimies, …show more content…

The main social determinants that could lead to an increased risk of developing skin cancer include education, access to health care, work environment and socioeconomic status. A lack of education could potentially mean an individual is unaware of the risks of skin cancer and therefore does not use the sun-protection measures available to reduce their risk, or, they may have low literacy skills and therefore not be able to read and/or interpret health promotion messages or warning signs about skin cancer and UV exposure. Access to health care may also become a risk factor for the disease because if this service is unable to be accessed by an individual due to inequities such as cultural barriers (McGibbon, Etowa, & McPherson, 2008), then these individuals may be unable to access skin check services and therefore any abnormal moles or spots may continue to grow and potentially become skin cancer. Thus, early detection and treatment are not possible in individuals with little or no access to healthcare services. The environments in which an individual works in could also act as a risk factor for skin cancer. Many populations work in environments that are outside, thus, they are exposed to UVR. Due to a typical work day being at least 5 hours in length and typical work

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