Skin Cancer

Warning Signs   |   Causes   |   Treatment   |

Questions to Ask   |   Self-Care/Prevention

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

Warning Signs

Sunburn

Contact your doctor if you notice any of these following signs:

For basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers (types that seldom spread to other parts of the body):

Small, smooth, shiny, pale, or waxy lump

Firm red lump

A lump that bleeds or develops a crust

A flat, red spot that is rough, dry, or scaly

For melanoma (can spread to other parts of the body and be fatal if not treated early). Look for any of these signs in an existing mole:

A. Asymmetry - The shape of one half does not match the other.

B. Border - The edges are ragged, notched or blurred.

C. Color - The color is uneven.

E. Evolving lesion - This is one that changes size, shape, shades of color or symptoms or has surface bleeding.

D. Diameter - The size changes and is often bigger than a pencil eraser.

Resources

National Cancer Institute

800.4.CANCER (422.6237)

www.cancer.gov

Causes

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

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

Risk Factors

•  Having skin cancer in the past.

•  A family history of skin cancer.

•  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:

•  Surgery. There are many types.

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

•  Radiation therapy. n Interferon drugs.

•  Skin grafting.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

Start prevention in childhood to protect against skin cancer later in life.

•  Limit time in the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

•  Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher as directed.

•  Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours, more often if you’re sweating or going in and out of the water.

•  Cover skin exposed to the sun, such as long-sleeved tops, pants, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats.

•  Avoid sun lamps and tanning beds.

Skin Self-Exam

•  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.

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

•  Check all areas.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.}

This website is not meant to substitute for expert medical advice or treatment. Follow your doctor’s or health care provider’s advice if it differs from what is given in this guide.

 

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