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Prevent Skin Cancer

May 16, 2019

Concerned about a mole that’s changing or lesion that doesn’t heal? See your doctor for evaluation and diagnosis.

While many desire an alluring tan, skin cancer can be deadly. Sunscreens are lifesavers. Use them!

Skin cancer comes in three forms – basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma.

Basal cell cancers look like this:

BHBH Basal Cell shutterstock 685947193
Basal cell cancers occur most often on face and neck; they often appear inflamed and angry.

Squamous cell cancers look like this:

BHBH Squamous cell shutterstock 1347760460 1
Squamous cell carcinomas appear as ulcerating sores that penetrate and metastasize.

Melanomas look like this:

BHBH Melanoma shutterstock 1920 x 1080
Melanomas are raised or flat, have irregular borders and variations in color.

These lesions rise from prolonged, unprotected sun exposure. Basal cells rarely spread. Squamous cell skin cancers and melanomas commonly spread or metastasize. Undiagnosed or left untreated, they are deadly.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends: avoiding direct sun between 10:00am and 4:00pm, avoiding sunburn, shunning tanning booths, cover-up when you can’t use sunscreens, use SPF 15 or higher during exposure, keep newborns and youngsters out of the sun. Protect them with sunscreens.

This is Dr. Jim for Be Healthy! Be Happy! Power your path to happiness.

References:

Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics, 2019. Skin Cancer Foundation. Online [available at]: https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts#general Accessed May 14, 2019.