Saturday, October 10, 2009

Learn All About Skin Cancer Detection

By Kathy Forcey

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer that is diagnosed every year. It is also one cancer that is easily detectable if you pay attention to your skin and perform a self examination regularly. In addition to skin cancer detection you should do everything you can to prevent skin cancer from ever starting.

Take the time to examine your own skin at least once every 30 days. Your doctor should also perform a skin examination during your regular physicals, and carefully diagnosing any irregularities that you notice. You can easily examine your own skin for signs of cancer, quickly and without any pain.

Conduct your self-examination in a room with good lighting and a full-length mirror. If you cannot see some of your skin during your examination, then use a hand-held mirror to see those tricky places. You should be familiar with any unique features of your skin during your first self-examination. If you notice that your skin has blemishes or discolorations, it is important to keep an eye on them to watch for change in growth or color for future exams. Check all over and see if there are any spots that you did not see before.

Start with your face and carefully work your way down the length of your body. You may need help for parts of your body that are hard to reach. Ask your spouse or trusted friend with help for your upper thighs and lower back. You can use a mirror to help you if you have no such assistance available.

When concerned about the possibility of skin cancer examine carefully the areas that are often exposed to the sun. Look for changes in the character of any abnormality such as the shape or size of a mole or discoloration. Medical drawings and photos are available to guide you in the different types of skin cancers.

You should know what skin cancers look like. You need to inform your doctor as soon as possible if you find something on your skin that looks different or suspicious. There may not be a problem, but you cannot know that for sure until a doctor checks you out. You can eliminate skin cancers more easily if you find them quickly.

You will need to be more careful about your skin if it is very fair. Cover it at all times when you go outside, and wear sunscreen on any skin that is exposed. Deflect the sun's harmful rays on your face with hats. Early skin cancer detection and a solid prevention regime will help you defend against skin cancer.

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