Learn to recognise the early signs of skin cancer.
- Examine your skin regularly at least once a month. All areas of the skin should be inspected, including the hands and feet, genital areas, eyes and mouth.
- Learn the danger signs of skin cancer and see a dermatologist early if you detect ay new or changing moles, freckles or skin growths.
- Go for regular skin checks by a Dermatologist at least once a year.
- If you have risk factors for melanoma or skin cancer, you may require more frequent monitoring.
- Your Dermatologist will use a special tool called the Dermoscope to detect early changes in your skin.
- Consider the use of photography as an aid to track your moles or skin lesions.
- Teach your children about the risks of sun exposure and sun burns. Encourage them to apply sunscreen regularly when they are outdoors.
Overexposure to ultraviolet light is a preventable risk factor for skin cancer and premature skin aging. Keep in mind the following precautions:
- Avoid peak sunlight hours from 10am to 4pm.
- Avoid artificial tanning parlors.
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 regularly and liberally. Reapply every 2 to 4 hours when working or playing outdoors and apply half and hour before swimming.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat or sun protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirt and pants.
Have you noticed a stubborn scaly rash that simply refuses to go away?
It is important to take note that not all skin cancers are pigmented like moles. Non-pigmented skin cancers such as squamous cell cancer and basal cell cancer are in fact more common than mole cancers.
In the early stages, these cancers may not appear alarming at all. They have been mistaken for eczema or a case of skin allergy.
These skin cancers are linked to chronic or intense overexposure to ultraviolet rays. Some patients who are on long term medications which suppress the body's natural immunity (immunosuppressants) also have increased risk of developing skin cancers.
Thankfully, these cancers are highly curable when detected and treated at the early stage. Therefore, it is very important that any new growth or unusual-looking rash be promptly evaluated by a dermatologist.
