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 Did you know that skin cancer is fast becoming the most common form of cancer? It already affects approximately 1.3 million Americans each year and appears to be rising at a rate of four to five percent annual. Skin cancer comes in three main forms: Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma, or BCC is the most common skin cancer—it’s the one you’re most likely to get. Basal cell carcinomas are slow growing tumors of the skin. Although they can become large they usually don’t spread to other areas of the body.
BCCs aren’t fatal, but will cause unsightly legions if they aren`t removed.
How to Spot It
A “pearly” look is the hallmark of BCCs. They are usually pink or flesh-colored bumps that rise above the skin’s surface.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma, or SCC, makes itself known on sun-damaged skin. The more sun exposure—including suntans—you’ve had throughout your life increases your risk of developing SCC.
How to Spot It
SCC often looks like a hard, scaly or crusty red bump on the skin and increases in height and diameter.
If left untreated, squamous cell carcinomas can be deadly because cells from original tumor can spread.
Melanoma
Melanoma is much more aggressive and far more deadly. For starters, it begins within the cells responsible for pigmentation-- melanocytes. Once it`s spotted, melanoma has already done a lot of damage and spreads easily to other parts of the body.
How to Spot it
When it comes to melanoma, you need to know your
“ABCDs”:
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A: Asymmetry of the shape of the mole or moles
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B: Irregular or jagged Border of the mole
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C: Different Colors in the same mole
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D: Watch out for moles that increase to a diameter greater than the size of a pencil eraser
Other melanoma warning signs include:
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Changes in a mole`s pigmentation (for example, it suddenly becomes much lighter or darker)
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Any unexplained oozing or bleeding from a bump
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Itchiness, increased sensitivity
Mole Checks and Self-Testing
By now, most women know that they should perform monthly breast exams to detect any changes that might indicate breast cancer. It`s also important to examine your body regularly for possible signs of skin caner. It`s especially important for those who have a family history of any type of skin cancer and for people with fair skin, hair and eyes who burn easily.
To be on the safe side, schedule an annual "mole check" with your dermatologist. And remember, never rely on anyone but a medical doctor to diagnose moles or skin changes.
Practice Safe Sun
By now you know the sun protection drill. Here`s a quick recap of the steps everyone needs to take:
Shun the sun
: If possible, avoid being outside during the "peak" hours of
11 a.m. through 3 p.m.
Slather on sunscreen
: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen or sunblock with an SPF of at least 15.
No tanning beds
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It`s not a safe tan—there`s no such thing.
Protect your peepers
: Wear UV blocking sunglasses to shield your eyes from damaging UV rays—and prevent lines and wrinkles.
Cover up
: Unless it`s dark and opaque, most clothing has a sun protection factor of only four!
Love your lips
: Throughout the day, reapply a separate lip balm with an SPF 15 or higher. Don`t rely on lipstick alone.
Try and Have Fun!
Obviously, protecting yourself from the UVA rays is paramount. However, don`t forget that the sun does have its positive qualities. Natural sunlight is an amazing source of vitamin D-- essential for maintaining strong bones. Further, the sun helps stave off depression. Ever notice that people are happier and more carefree in the summer? So, enjoy what the sun has to offer—just be sure to practice safe sun.
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