Sunday, January 24, 2010

Skin Cancer Detection - What Can You Do to Prevent Skin Cancer

By William Wallace

Each year, more skin cancers are diagnosed than any other form of cancer. Skin cancer is easy to detect if you examine your skin carefully on a regular basis. You should do everything you can to ensure that skin cancers do not form, in addition to detecting any skin cancers that do appear in your body.

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.

Start by finding a well lit room with a full length mirror. If there are areas that you have a hard time seeing during your self exam you can use a hand held mirror. The first time you do your self exam you will be taking the time to get to know all of your skin?s anomalies. Careful examination will give you a base for checking for changes in those blemishes and discolorations on your skin in future self exams. For now check anything that you have not 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.

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.

The lighter your skin the more careful you need to be. Some ways to protect your skin include wearing sunscreen, covering exposed skin, and wearing hats. These precautions, along with knowing what skin cancer looks like are your best defenses. - 14130

About the Author:

No comments: