Over two million people are affected by skin cancer annually in the United States alone. Skin cancers are categorized as basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas or melanomas. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are the most common skin cancers; while they can occur anywhere, they are typically found on areas widely exposed to the sun--head, neck, face, arms and hands. Basal cell skin cancer usually does not metastasize, or spread, to other organs. Squamous cell skin cancers sometimes spread to other organs. Melanoma, on the contrary, is the most lethal of the skin cancers, often spreading to lymph nodes and other organs.
ABCD
Changes on the skin are the most common signs of melanoma. The ABCD--assymetry, border, color, diameter--method is a guide to the early warning signs of skin cancers. Assymetry: Moles, freckles or other skin marks that are asymmetrical, or appear different on one half than on the other half, are suspicious for skin cancer. Border: Pay special attention to skin spots with irregular borders, or outlines, such as jagged and notched. Skin color, or pigment, spreading beyond a border to other areas is a skin cancer warning sign, as well. Color: Monitor any changes in skin mark colors. Uneven and irregular coloring ranges from tan, brown and black to translucent, white, purple, red and blue. Diameter: Skin spots beyond the size of a pencil eraser, which is one-quarter inch in diameter, are also indicators of skin cancers.
Body Mapping
Detect skin cancer early with monthly skin self-examinations. Utilize a mirror to visualize hard to see areas and skin marks. Remember to view the entire body, not only sun-exposed areas, such as scalp, genitals, and soles of the feet. Track examination dates and suspicious skin areas via a body map, a simple print out of the body, while conducting routine self-examinations. Measure the diameter of suspicious spots with a ruler as you continue to monitor them over time.
Risk
Those most at risk for skin cancers are people with a family history of skin cancer, past personal history of skin cancers, a past history of excessive sun exposure or sunburns, blondes and red-heads, and those who use tanning beds. While fair-skinned people are more susceptible to sunburns, skin cancer affects people of all colors and ethnicities.
Prevention
Ultraviolet, or UV, exposure is the number one cause of non-melanoma skin cancers. Minimizing UV exposure can help prevent skin cancer. Avoid tanning beds, wear a sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater everyday, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before venturing outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if swimming or sweating, avoid sunburns, stay indoors between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV radiation is at its peak, and wear covering clothes including wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.
Warning
Upon noticing any of the mentioned warning signs, seek medical attention for further evaluation. Some skin cancers may not follow the ABCD guide, so it is important to talk with a health care provider if you notice a sore that will not heal, scaling, scabbing, oozing, or bleeding of a mole or any other changes in skin growths. Skin cancer detected at early stages is easily treatable; utilize sun safety to prevent skin cancer.
