THE IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTION AND EARLY DETECTION OF SKIN CANCER

Abstract

The relevance of prevention and early detection of skin cancer has emerged as a topic of paramount importance in the context of contemporary public health, especially considering the alarming increase in the number of diagnosed cases and the growing exposure of the population to ultraviolet rays. The main objectives of this study are to analyze the most effective prevention strategies, identify the most widely used early detection methods, and discuss the importance of health education in raising critical awareness of the risks associated with skin cancer. To achieve our goals, we conducted a careful review of the available literature, exploring the PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases. We selected articles published on the subject or field research, in Portuguese or English that aligned with our criteria. We chose studies that really stood out and provided a solid theoretical basis for our analysis. The discussion that emerged from this study shows that educational campaigns and the promotion of self- examination are essential to raise awareness about the early signs of skin cancer. This approach not only helps identify the disease earlier, but also has a significant impact on improving prognoses and reducing disease-related mortality.