|
|
|
WHAT'S NEW
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
June health news: Scalp and neck skin cancers are deadliest
|
|
|
A new study reveals that where you find skin cancer moles affects your fatality rate for melanoma.
|
|
|
By Heather Camlot
|
|
|
|
|
Examining moles and how to detect skin cancer
Detecting possible skin cancer, particularly melanoma, can be summed up in your ABCs:
A - asymmetry
B - irregular border
C - variegation of colour
D - diameter (6 mm or more)
E - evolution or change
While analyzing moles or skin irregularities with these tips are helpful, Thomas says evolution is key. "Sometimes someone can have an early melanoma that may be a little irregular, that may not have any colour in it. So the change -- if it's new, if it's growing -- that's the kind of thing people can really pay attention to and would probably help them."
Although it's a good idea to visit a dermatologist regularly, you can work with your physician to determine if your skin is "busy" enough to warrant a second opinion. "If you just have one or two things and you know they're not changing, that's different from someone who has 100 moles and just can't keep track of them, and they already look unusual. Those individuals have to see a dermatologist regularly," explains Thomas.
Who is at the greatest risk of getting skin cancer?
Not all skin is created equal. Those who are more at risk for melanoma have:
- a personal or family history
- a lot of moles
- early life sun exposure
- sun exposure throughout life
- fair skin
- red hair
- the ability to burn easily
- inability to tan well
According to the Canadian Cancer Statistics 2008 report, produced by the Canadian Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute of Canada and Public Health Agency of Canada, there will be an estimated 4,600 new cases of and 910 deaths due to melanoma this year. Women will make up 2,100 of those new cases and 350 of those women will die from melanoma.
How can you reduce your risk of skin cancer?
You can't change what you did as a child, but you can alter your sun habits right now. "Sun exposure throughout life really does make a difference," says Thomas. Wear a hat and cover areas when outside; wear sunscreen on exposed areas, including the hairline and part; be careful during intermittent, intense sun exposure, such as on holiday, at the beach or during water-side activities. As for heading outdoors for a dose of vitamin D, people at greater risk for melanoma should boost their intake through diet and/or supplements.
And, of course, scan your skin. "Melanomas on the scalp can be quite dangerous and if you do have a new or changing growth on the scalp, have it checked out," says Thomas. "And have your scalp checked during a full skin exam."
You may not be as sun savvy as you think. Find out by taking our quiz: How sun safe are you?
Page 2 of 2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 more articles |
|
|
|
|
|
|
