Someone told me I'm at higher risk for skin cancer because I've self-harmed. Is that true?
CalmingLily
on
Jan 27, 2015
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No not at all! The only thing you may be at risk of is infection if you don't keep the cuts clean but cancer is completely unrelated, don't worry!
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Aggie
on
May 30, 2016
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Talk to a dermatologist. Instead of listening to people on the internet or ignorant people irl, do research with someone who knows the area.
Ashiya
on
Jun 21, 2016
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This is not true and you shouldn't worry but to combat self-harm or the want to self-harm you can use a breathing method, ice, elastics or draw on yourself.
TaranWanderer
on
May 23, 2017
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I don't believe they are related at all. I wouldn't be concerned about it, it sounds like the person is either trying to scare you, or heard it from someone else and didn't bother to fact check.
Erynn
on
Apr 11, 2015
Self-Harm Expert
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I know that scar tissues can be be more fragile, so it depends on the amount of scar tissue you have exposed to the sun. As always, it's probably a good idea to wear sunscreen. I would also recommend talking to your doctor about additional measures, or stronger sunscreen, if you have a lot of scar tissue exposed frequently or in very bright situations.
Dailydaydreama
on
Jan 26, 2015
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Talking to a doctor would be the best person to bring this up with ! A 2nd opinion from a expert is really important and can not hurt ! Self harm can cause lots of health concerns that need support and it's best to get it as soon as possible !
Anonymous
on
Apr 8, 2015
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As far as I know, there has been no link between self harm and cancer of anykind.
FrenchPaule
on
May 28, 2015
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No, I think it is totally false : I think that it doesn't change anything... But maybe the scars or the wound could be infected because of the dirt...
Paradox42
on
Jul 12, 2016
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Unless you've been cutting yourself in a tanning-bed, it is highly unlikely that you develop skin cancer from self-harm, near impossible. Skin cancer stems from ultra violet rays and radiation and sun burns and all that good stuff. Of course, if your form of self-harm consists of standing outside, naked, in a paved driveway in the middle of the summer in, lets say, Chernobyl, then maybe you should talk to a doctor. If not, you have a higher chance of getting tetanus from a rusty razor blade than skin cancer.
OzymandiasAddams
on
Jul 18, 2016
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No, no link is possible. Indeed scar after skin is more sensitive , generally . However, for now , the scars are not part of the risk factors for melanoma of the skin. So no links between mutilation and cancer are established. be relieved :)
Clemthedarling
on
May 30, 2015
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In my experience I have never been told this, I believe self harming can cause damage to your skin tissue leaving scars, it does not generally solve the emotional problem behind the infliction, however for this question it would be best to ask a professional.
iamsodone
on
Jun 17, 2015
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Only if your devices of self harm are not sterilized or clean. If you're careful enough with those, you can avoid skin disease. But I suggest you stop the habit as you might regret them later on in life. I know I do.
RachJay
on
Dec 12, 2016
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I don't think so... You are in higher risk of cancer if your skin recives a lot of sun rays without sunscreen, and that makes sense bc sun makes your skin mutate. But wounds don't make your skin mutate.
Anonymous
on
Mar 12, 2018
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No this is not true. Skin cancer comes from a genetic mutation and has nothing to do with self-harm. Don't worry, just wear sunblock :)
Anonymous
on
Jun 4, 2018
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That is not true at all. Self-harm and skin cancer is not scientifically proved to be linked. You could go to your doctor and ask him/her even. They would walk you through why its not linked. Even the internet could do that, although I do not recommend it, because it also has "reasons" why they are linked.
