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Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer Risk Factors | Skin Cancer Symptoms | Skin Cancer Early Detection | Skin Cancer Prevention | Skin Cancer Treatment

Skin cancer is the most common - and preventable - cancer, affecting more than 1 million people every year. Excessive exposure to the sun causes most skin cancer.

Skin Cancer Risk Factors

The following are the risk factors associated with skin cancer:
  • Fair complexion and/or freckles skin that burns easily
  • A family history skin cancer
  • Several moles on the body, especially one there since birth or unusual moles
  • One or more large pigmented spots
  • Excessive exposure to the sun and repeated blistering sunburns before the age of 15
  • Exposure to ultraviolet radiation
Skin Cancer Symptoms

The symptoms of skin cancer are as follows:

  • Changes in color and size of a mole, a new skin growth, bump or node
  • Changes in the skin color of the surrounding areas of the mole
  • Appearance of scaly, oozing, bleeding, fragile, and a crusted or ulcerated look on the skin
  • Sensation changes of the mole, skin growth or bump skin like itching, burning, tenderness or painful sensation
Skin Cancer Early Detection

Examine your skin once a month. Look for:

  • A brown or black colored spot with uneven margins
  • A slow-growing, raised, pearly bump that may crust, ulcerate or bleed
  • Itchiness, tenderness or pain from a mole
  • A small, smooth, shiny, pale or waxy lump
  • A flat red spot - scaly, crusty, smooth or shiny or a new mole
When looking at moles, remember the ABCD rule: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color that is not uniform, Diameter greater than 6 millimeters - about the size of a pencil eraser. If you discover a suspicious growth, see your health care professional. After age 50, get annual clinical examinations by a health care professional.

Skin Cancer Prevention

Methods to prevent skin cancer are as follows:

  • Avoid sun exposure during between 10 AM and 4 PM
  • Always wear sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher - even on cloudy days
  • Apply at least one ounce - about a shot glass full - of sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun, and reapply frequently
  • Wear sunglasses treated to absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation, use a lip balm with an SPF of at least 15, and wear tight-weave clothing and a wide-brimmed hat
Skin Cancer Treatment

If caught early, most skin cancer can be treated successfully. There are three types: melanoma, the most serious form, and basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer. Depending on the type of cancer, these are the treatments available:

  • Surgical removal, including a procedure called Mohs' surgery
  • Electrodessication and curettage and electrical current to remove tissue
  • Cryosurgery - freezing to destroy tissue
  • Laser therapy, radiation or topical chemotherapy
 
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