Monday, June 22, 2009

Learn All About Skin Cancer Detection

By Kathy Forcey

Skin cancer is a cancer that is quite common. Fortunately, iIt is also relatively easy to detect with self inspection of your skin. But aside from early detection, you can and should do everything within your ability to prevent skin cancer from ever occuring in the first place.

As part of a routine physical your doctor should be examining your skin for any abnormal growths or discolrations. You should also be checking your own skin at least once a month. Checking your skin for skin cancer is quick, easy, and painless.

When you do your first self exam you will want to take your time to really get a good look at your skin and all the different characteristics. Make sure you are in a well lit area with a full length mirror. There will likely be areas that are difficult to see with just one mirror, so have a hand mirror ready to use also. Getting a good look at what your skin looks like now, cancer free, will be the best way to compare future checks when looking for changes in your skin. When examining your skin, take note of anything you hadn't noticed 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.

Pay particular attention to those areas that receive a lot of exposure to the sun. You are looking for changes in the shape and size of any mole or discoloration in your skin. You can get detailed descriptions of the different types of skin cancers.

You should become familiar with the way skin cancer looks. If you find something that is suspicious you should show it to your doctor immediately. It may be nothing but the only way to know for sure is to have a professional look at it. Early skin cancer detection is the key to eliminating it on your skin.

If you are fair skinned you will have to be extra careful with your skin. Make sure that you keep it covered when you are in the sun and always wear sunscreen on your exposed areas. Make use of hats and keep the sun off of your face. Good prevention and skin cancer detection are your best weapons.

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