Warning Signs Prevention -Self Examination
Skin cancer comes in three forms, but the two most common - accounting for 90% of all cases - are basal carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The third form of skin cancer known is Malignant Melanoma and as its name suggests, this type of skin cancer is the most dangerous of them all. It can spread to the entire body, resulting in death.
Fortunately, the chances of cure in all cases are practically 100% if the disease is detected in time for proper treatment. Therefore, it is extremely important to avoid contracting skin cancer and be aware of the warning signs and symptoms. So you should incorporate three basic habits into your routine:
1. Regular use of sunscreen, both physical and chemical;
2. Beware of excessive sun exposure and artificial tanning procedures;
3. Check yourself for signs of skin cancer and consult your dermatologist immediately in case of moles, symptoms, and any skin changes.
Over-exposing your body to UV rays not only damages your skin but can also damage your eyes, lower your body's defenses and cause premature aging. can It be important to note that no one is immune to the possibility of skin cancer or other diseases due to excessive exposure to the sun? However, the risks are higher for people who fit at least one of the following characteristics:
People with light skin
Family history or previous personal experiences of skin cancer.
• Chronic sun exposure
• History of severe sunburn during childhood and/or adolescence;
• People who have a large number of skin wrinkles and other symptoms.
Warning signs
Skin cancer can be detected early because of the symptoms that appear on the skin. By examining yourself, be aware of the following symptoms:
• New lesions or changes such as enlargement of the lesion and a "pearl" aspect. They can be translucent, brown, red, pink, or multi-colored.
• Changes in skin markings, such as changes in color and/or texture and borders, sloughing and irregular shape, and growth.
• Rashes and symptoms that bleed, go away and reappear after a while.
• Rough skin areas;
• Redness and swelling of the scar;
• Onset of new symptoms after 21 years of age.
Remember your ABCD:
• A - Asymmetric: If you trace a straight line right down the middle of a benign scar, their halves will be practically equal. In a fatal sign, it won't.
• B - Border: A benevolent sign has regular shapes and forms. Malignant symptoms are irregular in their shapes, forms, and texture.
• C - Color: Benign symptoms are usually brown and uniform. Malignant symptoms can be brown and black in color and sometimes red, white, and even blue in color.
• D - Diameter: A fatal mark is usually larger than the diameter of a pencil.
How to self-examine your skin for skin cancer
One in five American men gets skin cancer, so self-examination is important. Skin cancer self-examination is the best way to detect the first changes every trimester, along with an annual consultation with your dermatologist. Watch for symptoms and other changes in your skin. You will need to do this in a well-lit room, with the use of a handy mirror and chair. Follow the instructions below:
1. Examine your head and face, scalp, and neck lymph nodes.
2. Check your hands, including your nails. Don't forget your elbows and forearms.
3. Examine your chest and back. Women should also examine the underside of the breasts.
4. Use your handy mirror to examine the back of your neck, hips, arms, back, thighs, and legs while facing back to a large mirror.
5. While sitting, examine your legs and feet, including the nails. Use your handy mirror to examine the genitals.
Follow the guidelines below and prevent skin cancer:
• Limit your time of sun exposure and avoid the sun between 10h and 15h;
Wear hats and appropriate clothing.
• Use sunscreen on a regular basis with protection above 15 UPS. Reapply every two hours, during daily exposure to sunlight.
• Avoid artificial tanning
• Keep your children out of the sun. Sunscreen can be used in children over six months of age.
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