Skin cancer is a condition where cancer cells arise from a person’s skin. This condition is due to the development of abnormal skin cells that have the capability of spreading or invading other parts of the body. It has three types, which are basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer and melanoma.
Basal skin cancer is the most common type of skin cancer that rarely kills. However, it needs immediate attention, as it will cause skin thickening and scar tissues if it gets worse. Squamous skin cancer causes the enlargement and develops into ulcers if left untreated. Melanoma is the least common type of skin cancer but it is the most fatal.
The 7 most Common Signs of Skin Cancer
- ‘An ugly mole’- if you have a new mole that looks different than other moles you have. However, sometimes, even the moles you’re born with can develop into melanoma and not all ‘new moles’ are a risk. Watch out for moles that ‘stand out’.
- Vertical dark nail streaks- skin cancer or melanoma can sometimes appear on the nails. Did you know that Bob Marley died due to 36 acral lentiginous melanoma which appeared as dark spots under the nails and then spread onto the liver? Sometimes, the melanoma can look as a bloody blister around the nail’s base. When you go for a skin check, remember to remove nail polish.
- Vision problems- eye melanoma is the second most common type of melanoma and it can be diagnosed only through an eye examination. Since half of patients never get symptoms, it’s crucial to get your eyes checked from time to time.
- Skin spots that won’t go away – if you have a skin spot that comes and goes away or doesn’t go away for a longer period of time or if it recurs in the same area, you should get it checked as soon as possible.
- Moles on the feet- since people don’t actively look at their feet; they miss out new or old moles that stand out. If you notice a strange mole on your foot, get it checked.
- Pigmentation after mole removal- if you had a mole removed and you notice pigmentation around the scar, make sure to get it checked.
- Black spots inside the cheeks– if you notice black spots in the inside of the cheeks, nasal cavity, vagina, and anal region, make sure to get it checked as soon as possible. These locations are less known to develop melanoma, but it’s possible.
PREVENTING SKIN CANCER
Skin cancer may be a serious medical condition but it is very easy to avoid and prevent. These are some of the ways you can prevent skin cancer:
Avoid smoking. Based on studies, smoking increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Therefore, you should quit smoking or avoid people who are smoking.
Apply sunblock. A broad-spectrum sunscreen, UVA or UVB with SPF 15 or higher is the best type of sunblock that helps prevent skin cancer. Apply it is daily in order to protect your skin from the sun.
Avoid tanning beds. Tanning beds are the primary causes of skin cancer, as they directly damage your skin. Addiction to tanning beds will increase the risk of developing skin cancer. As an alternative, go to a spray-tanning salon instead.
Avoid the sun. The sun’s rays are especially harmful from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon. Avoid going out or seek the shade during these times.
With these helpful tips, you can avoid developing skin cancer.