Self-test on skin cancer symptoms

According to the report of National Council on Skin Prevention in the United States, new cases of skin cancer diagnosis in the country have grown greater than 3.5 million, annually. This number is more than the combined cases of colon, prostate, breast and lungs cancers.

American Cancer Society stated that among all types of cancer, skin cancer is mainly common which is primarily caused by overexposure to ultraviolet rays. Sun is the primary source of UV rays but tanning lamps which are man-made are additional sources.

Skin is the largest organ in our body system. Thus, it is important that we see to it that we are able to take good care of this organ because this is the most exposed part on our daily activities. We would not want to have problems with our skin, right? Neither blood tests nor x-ray are needed to test your skin. You can do  it at home with just a mirror.  Below are the procedures to test the health of our skin.

Face the mirror. Check each part of your body particularly the stomach, chest, neck, face and ears. As for the women, you are required to lift your breasts in order to have a look on the part underneath. Both sides of your underarms as well as your arms are also needed to be checked. Your hands particularly your palm, under the fingernails and spaces between fingers must also be checked.

Sit down. Skin of your lower body parts like toes, feet, knees and things should be checked. For the back portion of your legs such as calves, use hand mirror in order to see it.

You must also check your genitals, lower and upper back, and scalp.

If you see something wrong, like swollen red skin you must see the doctor immediately. Remember: Prevention is better than cure.

Stay out from UV Rays

In some countries, summer is fast approaching, while in some, it is about to go full swing. This means harmful UV rays are also in. This article will remind you the importance of staying protected from potentially developing skin cancer.

As you go out and enjoy outdoor activities, be sure to be protected with a sun screen from SPF15 upto SPF 50. The new rules of FDA has limit the maximum value of SPF to 50 as no research shows that greater SPF will protect users even more. SPF 15 will only allow you to stay in the sun for 15 minutes without getting burned. Also, protect your lips with a lip balm containing SPF. Reapply these protections every 2 hours if you’re still out swimming or sweating out.

If you’re not out for swimming, you can avoid the sun between 10 am to 4pm when it is most harmful. In the middle of the day, the sun’s rays are strongest. If you really have to go out, you can bring in your umbrella or seek shade. Slip on your long sleeves to protect your skin and be sure that these clothes are tightly woven so as to not let any light get through your skin. You can also put on a hat to cover your head, face, ears, and neck. Sunglasses with UV absorption will also provide optimal protection for your eyes and the skin surrounding them.

By doing these even on cloudy days (UV Rays can travel through clouds), you are consistently protecting yourself from any kind of disease especially skin cancer.  Other sources of UV light like tanning bed and sun lamps will also damage your skin, so avoid this as well.

There are hundred more ways to prevent skin cancer, but it pays to learn and apply these basic prevention tips first before having to apply more serious treatments. 

Know about Skin Cancer

Taking care of the body is important as it is the dwelling place of our soul. Our skin comprises much of our body and is actually the first layer we see in our physical appearance. It is our first shield from heat, cold, and other environmental elements. No wonder most of us may develop skin disease, and worst, skin cancer.

In fact, skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. The two common types are squamous cell cancer and basal cell cancer. These types of cancer usually form in the neck, head, face, and arms. These are also considered non-melanoma cancer. Melanoma is a more serious form which tends to spread quickly throughout the body.

 

Some people are more prone to skin cancer if they are exposed in the sun for a long time and get sunburned. Those who have light-colored skin, hair, and eyes are also close to having skin cancer. And of course, at times, the disease runs in family history and those who reach the age above 50.

The most common symptom when one is developing the said cancer is a change in skin appearance. This can be in the form of a sore or a growth of something.

At this early sign, one should seek a doctor for the right medication. But skin cancers can also be prevented by limiting your exposure to sun, using waterproof and sunscreen protection above SPF 30, and generally avoiding direct exposure to the sun with no protection.