Saturday, June 27, 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.

You should perform a self check on your skin at least once a month. In addition your doctor should be examining your skin during your routine examination and checking out anything that you have seen and have a question on. Performing your own skin cancer detection check is a relatively quick and painless procedure that you can do easily.

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 the face, and then work down your body checking all areas very carefully. Someone close to you, your spouse or a good friend can help you with the hard to see areas such as your lower back. If you don't have help, use a small mirror to see those areas.

You should examine areas more closely if they are regularly exposed to the sun. You want to know if moles and other discolored areas change in color or size. Detailed descriptions of many kinds of skin cancers are readily available.

Early detection is the key to successfully treating skin cancer. By making sure you are familiar with the regular appearance of your skin, you can take note of the appearance of any moles or other features of your skin. If you notice anything suspicious, show it to your doctor immediately. It might be harmless, but the only way to be certain is to have your doctor check it.

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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