Skin Cancer Awareness
Skin Cancer is one of the most common cancers. Approximately
one in six people will develop skin cancer. Medical experts
unanimously agree that overexposure to sunlight is the main
culprit. Other factors include sunburn with blistering especially
during childhood, skin creams that contain tar if used over
a prolonged period, repeated X-rays, exposure to coal and
arsenic, radiation, chemotherapy and family history. Freckles
with fair skin that doesn't tan very easily can also put one
at risk.
Most skin cancers grow slowly. It is imperative you inspect
your body on a regular basis for anything unusual. Stand in
front of a full length mirror and with a hand held mirror
check out every inch of your skin. Have someone check the
top of your head as well. You should know your body in detail,
so that when something different rears its ugly head, you
notice it immediately!
Watch for any unusual spots. Look for lesions, moles or spots
that are asymmetrical in shape. Observe for any colored spot
that grows bigger or develops an uneven color or irregular,
ragged edge. Look for any nodules or patches that are red
and scaly, as this can be a squamous cell carcinoma which
can metastasize (spread). Other symptoms to look for are changes
in the surface of a mole. If you notice the mole is raised
above the skin and has a rough surface, is scaly, oozing,
bleeding or there is development of bumps on any mole, seek
medical attention. In other words anything that develops that
wasn't on your body before should be investigated by your
physician.
Skin cancer has a high cure rate if caught early. Excision
of the lesion is the most common treatment. Self examination
is the key to early detection with a regular visit to your
doctor for check ups.
The best methods to avoid skin cancer are to avoid the sun,
especially during the hottest part of the day from 10:00 a.m.
to 3:00 p.m. Wear a sunscreen if you are out doors with an
SPF of at least 15 or more, applied thirty minutes before
going into the sun. Put the sunscreen everywhere the suns
rays will hit you. Don't forget your ears and men don't forget
any bald areas on top of your head. If you have to be out
in the sun, use a wide brimmed hat or cap. Wear sunglasses
to protect your eyes from the sun. Choose sunglasses that
protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunglasses can help
prevent cataracts as well. Wear long sleeve shirts and pants
if it is not sweltering hot, to better protect your body.
Don't use tanning salons as they can damage your skin just
like the sun.
Of course there is the controversy that you need some sun
in order NOT to be vitamin D deficient. Ask your doctor to
prescribe a good vitamin D supplement. Your doctor can advise
the proper dose to take. I know it is hard at times to completely
avoid the sun. A few minutes of sun occasionally with a good
sun screen, should not be too harmful, as long as you watch
the time of day and check your body on a regular basis. Also
too much sun can contribute to wrinkles. Avoidance is best,
but not always possible. Hence, just be very careful and check,
check, check your body regularly (monthly if possible). Go
to your doctor immediately when you notice any irregularities.
Keep healthy!
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Author: Eric Choong
Please visit my website at: http://www.health-beauty-care.com
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