Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the skin. It usually appears as a growth that changes in color, shape, or size. This can be a sore that does not heal or a change in a mole. Skin cancer is almost always curable when found early and treated. So it is important to see your doctor if you have any of these changes in your skin.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. It often appears on areas of the body that have been exposed to the sun, such as the head, face, neck, back, chest, or shoulders.
Skin cancer happens when cells in your skin grow abnormally and out of control. The cancer cells can spread to other parts of your body.
Skin cancer may first appear as a new mole, a change in a growth or mole, a sore that doesn't heal, or an irritation of the skin.
Exposure to the sun is the most common cause of skin cancer.
There are three major types of skin cancer:
Preventing skin cancer isn't always possible. But you can take steps to protect your skin from UV radiation. Sunscreen plays an important role in protecting your skin from UV radiation. But it can't prevent skin damage if you are exposed to the sun's rays for long periods of time. Experts recommend that you use more than one method to fully protect your skin.
Peak hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find shade if you need to be outdoors. You can also find how much UV exposure you are getting by using the shadow rule. If your shadow is longer than you, then UV exposure is low. If your shadow is shorter than you, then UV exposure is high.
This can include:
This includes summer and winter, on both cloudy and clear days.
Apply to all exposed skin, including the nose, lips, ears, scalp, back of the hands, and neck. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going in the sun. Reapply it every 2 hours and after swimming, exercising, or sweating.
Use lip balm or cream that has an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your lips from getting sunburned.
Choose ones that block at least 99% of UVA and UVB radiation.
These surfaces can reflect 85% of the sun's rays. Also be careful when you're at high elevations or in countries near the equator.
This includes sunlamps and tanning booths. Like the sun, they can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Skin cancer, including melanoma, is curable if spotted early. A careful skin exam may identify suspicious growths that may be cancer or growths that may develop into skin cancer (precancers).
These are the changes in a mole or skin growth that are warning signs of melanoma.
Get to know your moles and birthmarks. And look for any abnormal skin growth and any change in the color, shape, size, or appearance of a skin growth.
Most experts recommend having your skin examined regularly.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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