Reducing your risk of skin cancer
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so I'd like to share some information about skin cancer, what to look out for and how to reduce your risk. I've shared some links and sources throughout the post, so do read on in more detail and look at pictures provided to help you identify anything suspicious when checking your skin.
As an Osteopath I see patients undressed to their underwear when examining and treating bone, muscle and joint problems. I am always vigilant for any skin changes that may need assessing by a doctor. This is especially important on areas such as the back, backs of legs and arms and neck. These areas are difficult for you to check yourself, so either get a loved one to do this regularly or use a full length mirror in a well lit area.
There are three types of skin cancer:
Melanomas.
Malignant Melanomas often appear in or near a mole, but can appear on any area of skin. Often there is a family history of melanomas.
"Melanomas may not cause any symptoms at all, but tingling or itching may occur at an early stage. Some melanomas start as minor changes in the size, shape or colour of an existing mole (see below): others begin as a dark area that can look like a new mole. Later on a melanoma may feel hard and lumpy, and bleed, ooze or crust up.
What does a melanoma look like?
All melanomas do not look the same, and there are several different types. The ABCD system (below) tells you some of the things to look out for:
A melanoma may show one or more of the following features:
Asymmetry- the two halves of the area differ in their shape.
Border- the edges of the area may be irregular or blurred, and sometimes show notches.
Colour- this may be uneven. Different shades of black, brown and pink may be seen.
Diameter- most melanomas are at least 6 mm. in diameter.
Melanomas can appear on any part of the skin but they are most common in men on the body, and in women on the legs." (Source: https://bit.ly/2raMf5S)
Squamous Cell Carcinomas.
"Melanomas may not cause any symptoms at all, but tingling or itching may occur at an early stage. Some melanomas start as minor changes in the size, shape or colour of an existing mole (see below): others begin as a dark area that can look like a new mole. Later on a melanoma may feel hard and lumpy, and bleed, ooze or crust up.
What does a melanoma look like?
All melanomas do not look the same, and there are several different types. The ABCD system (below) tells you some of the things to look out for:
A melanoma may show one or more of the following features:
Asymmetry- the two halves of the area differ in their shape.
Border- the edges of the area may be irregular or blurred, and sometimes show notches.
Colour- this may be uneven. Different shades of black, brown and pink may be seen.
Diameter- most melanomas are at least 6 mm. in diameter.
Melanomas can appear on any part of the skin but they are most common in men on the body, and in women on the legs." (Source: https://bit.ly/2raMf5S)
Obligatory cute mole photo!
Squamous Cell Carcinomas.
Squamous Cell Carcinomas are usually painless and appear as a crusty or scaly patch of skin, with an inflamed, red base.
Basal Cell Carcinomas.
"Most basal cell carcinomas are painless. People often first become aware of them as a scab that bleeds occasionally and does not heal completely. Some basal cell carcinomas are very superficial and look like a scaly red flat mark: others have a pearl-like rim surrounding a central crater. If left for years, the latter type can eventually erode the skin causing an ulcer... Other basal cell carcinomas are quite lumpy, with one or more shiny nodules crossed by small but easily seen blood vessels." (Source: https://bit.ly/1RRk1TM)
Basal Cell Carcinomas.
"Most basal cell carcinomas are painless. People often first become aware of them as a scab that bleeds occasionally and does not heal completely. Some basal cell carcinomas are very superficial and look like a scaly red flat mark: others have a pearl-like rim surrounding a central crater. If left for years, the latter type can eventually erode the skin causing an ulcer... Other basal cell carcinomas are quite lumpy, with one or more shiny nodules crossed by small but easily seen blood vessels." (Source: https://bit.ly/1RRk1TM)
Checking for changes.
Mark in your calendar to check for changes every few weeks. In a well lit room, assess all the areas you can check easily and then use a mirror to check your back, backs of arms and backs of legs. It may be helpful to team up with a loved one to check each other. If you have lots of marks or moles, your doctor can refer you to have them photographed and monitored for changes regularly.
The NHS provide a great tool, 'the ABCDE of moles' to check for changes. You can view it online here.
Mark in your calendar to check for changes every few weeks. In a well lit room, assess all the areas you can check easily and then use a mirror to check your back, backs of arms and backs of legs. It may be helpful to team up with a loved one to check each other. If you have lots of marks or moles, your doctor can refer you to have them photographed and monitored for changes regularly.
The NHS provide a great tool, 'the ABCDE of moles' to check for changes. You can view it online here.
Tips for reducing your risk of skin cancer.
When outside, use clothing as a first line barrier to the sunshine, including a hat and UV protective sunglasses.
When buying suncream, look at the SPF rating and choose 30 or higher. This protects you from the UVB rays. It's also important to look for the UVA star rating and it's best to pick a four or five star rating to protect you from the UVA rays. Interestingly I've noticed some branded sun creams, that are more expensive, don't actually have the best UVA ratings. So always take the time to read labels and choose accordingly- don't assume that the highest price means the highest protection!
Be sure to apply the suncream 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours (or earlier if the cream is rubbed off or washed off with sweat or water when swimming).
Be sure to apply the suncream 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours (or earlier if the cream is rubbed off or washed off with sweat or water when swimming).
Try to stay out of the direct sun between 11am and 3pm, particularly if you are fair skinned.
It's important to follow these sun safety tips even when it's not a bright, sunny day. Check the weather forecast to check the UV strength, especially on overcast days when you're still at risk of UV exposure and burning.
It's important to follow these sun safety tips even when it's not a bright, sunny day. Check the weather forecast to check the UV strength, especially on overcast days when you're still at risk of UV exposure and burning.
Don't use sun beds! The use of sun beds is linked to an increased risk of skin cancer- if you're fair skinned like myself, embrace it!
Be sure to carry out frequent checks and if you have any doubts, please see your GP immediately. Usually it is nothing to worry about, but it's better to get things checked and at least get peace of mind. If it is something that requires treatment, the earlier it's detected, the better.
I hope these tips have been helpful, please share them with friends and family to spread the word about reducing the risk of skin cancer. If you have any tips of your own, please leave a comment.
Zoë Clark is a registered osteopath trained at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine in London. Practicing in Howe near Norwich (01508 558373) and Burston, near Diss (07543 557746) in Norfolk.
Email zoeclarkosteopath@gmail.com
'Like' my Facebook page www.facebook.com/ZoeClarkOsteopathy
'Follow' me on Twitter @ZoeClarkOsteo
'Follow' me on Instagram @ZoeTheOsteo
I hope these tips have been helpful, please share them with friends and family to spread the word about reducing the risk of skin cancer. If you have any tips of your own, please leave a comment.
Zoë Clark is a registered osteopath trained at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine in London. Practicing in Howe near Norwich (01508 558373) and Burston, near Diss (07543 557746) in Norfolk.
Email zoeclarkosteopath@gmail.com
'Like' my Facebook page www.facebook.com/ZoeClarkOsteopathy
'Follow' me on Twitter @ZoeClarkOsteo
Sources:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/melanoma-skin-cancer/
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/skin-cancer
http://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk
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