1. Skin Conditions

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer in the U.S. When found early, skin cancer can be treated with success.

Use a full length mirror to do a skin self-exam.

Wear long sleeves, sun hats, etc. to block out the skin’s harmful rays.

Causes

  1. •Recurrent exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause.

  2. •Artificial sources of UV radiation, such as sun lamps and tanning beds.



Risk Factors

  1. •Having skin cancer in the past.

  2. •A family history of skin cancer.

  3. •Having fair skin that freckles easily, especially with red or blond hair and blue or light-colored eyes.



Treatment

Depending on the size, type, and stage of the cancer, treatment includes:

  1. •Surgery. There are many types.

  2. •Laser therapy.

  3. •Chemotherapy. One form is a cream or lotion with anticancer drugs that is applied to the skin. Other forms are given through an IV.

  4. •Radiation therapy.

  5. •Interferon drugs.

  6. •Skin grafting.

Self-Care / Prevention

Prevention should start in childhood to prevent skin cancer later in life.

  1. •Avoid exposure to midday sun (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. standard time; 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daylight savings time).

  2. •Use a sunblock with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher as directed.

  3. •Avoid sun lamps and tanning salons.


Skin Self-Exam

  1. •Do a skin self-exam monthly. The best time to do this is after a shower or bath. To check your skin, use a well-lit room, a full-length mirror, and a hand-held mirror.

  2. •Locate your birthmarks, moles, and blemishes. Know what they look like. Check for a sore that does not heal.

  3. •Check all areas.

  4. 1.Look at the front and back of your body in the mirror. Then, raise your arms and look at the left and right sides.

  5. 2.Bend your elbows and look carefully at the palms of your hands. Make sure to look at both sides of your forearms and upper arms.

  6. 3.Look at the back and front of the legs. Look between the buttocks and around the genital area.

  7. 4.Look at your face, neck, and scalp. Use a comb or blow dryer to move hair so that you can see the scalp better.

  8. 5.Sit and closely examine the feet. Look at the soles and the spaces between the toes.


{Note: Get a skin exam from your doctor or health care provider as often as advised.}

Do you have any skin cancer warning sign listed above?

Questions to Ask