Imagine this: You are taking a shower and suddenly notice a strange spot on your body that wasn’t there before-no, not a bruise, because you didn’t hurt yourself. Or perhaps you’re looking in the mirror and suddenly spot a new mole or scar on your face or neck. No! don’t ignore it, your Skin may be dropping you a very important sign for your future health.
And you should not at all take it lightly because there is a high chance that you could have skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most found cancer worldwide. Skin Cancer is the condition where cells grow and multiply abnormally forming malignant tumours. The most common cause of Skin Cancer is prolonged exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation from the Sun or tanning beds. But don’t worry, if detected early, with the necessary treatments, it can be cured.
There are Three Most Commonly Found Skin-cancer: –
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
- Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious cancer among the three of them because it can spread throughout the body very quickly.
The important factor is to recognize the warnings and signs shown by your body before it’s too late.
Yes, skin changes constantly. From kids to adults-pimples come and go for teens, freckles get darker, and even new moles appear. However, that does not mean every sign or change is related to skin cancer. There are even myths that skin cancer only affects to fair-skinned peoples which is wrong as skin cancer can develop and affect individuals of all skin tone, it’s just more common in light skinned people because of the less production of melanin.
Skin Cancer can affect and develop at any age therefore regular self-examinations and awareness is crucial for everyone.To easily differentiate between a harmless skin, change and a potential danger, understanding the signs and how they look is very important for detecting skin cancer.
The First Signs of Skin Cancer
1. A New Growth – (Sore/Scar/Spot)
If you notice a new spot or bump that doesn’t heal within a few weeks, or a sore that heals and then reopens, continues to puss or bleed, you should consult a dermatologist.
2. New or Constantly Changing Mole
If a mole suddenly appears or continuously changes its shape, colour, or texture and it becomes itchy, tender, or painful try using the ABCDE Rule, which helps in identifying abnormal moles.
A-Asymmetry: One half of a mole doesn’t match the other.
B- Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
C-Colour: The colour is not uniform and consists of shades of brown, black, pink, red, white, or blue.
D-Diameter: The spot is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller.
E-Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, or colour and in not constant and may even cause itching/ bleeding.
3. Rough, Scaly Patches on the Skin
Rough patches that feel crusty, especially if they bleed, feel tender, or don’t go away after a long time, could be a sign of skin cancer.
4. A New Bump
A shiny, pearly bump—often with a pink, red, or white head—could be a sign of basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer.
5. A Dark Streak under Your Nails
Often unnoticed, a black or brown streak under a fingernail or toenail that isn’t caused by an injury could be a sign of subungual melanoma, a rare but serious form of skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body.
The skin is the largest organ of our body, and it constantly gives you hints-whether it’s showing signs of hormonal imbalances, disease, or even skin cancer. The only thing you need to do is pay close attention and keep an eye on any changes. A simple routine check-up and regular monitoring can help you avoid the complications and struggles of late-stage conditions.
You should also take up some preventive measures and avoid risks that may cause you skin cancer, the most important one is implementing Sun Safety Practices which includes wearing sunscreen and protective clothing and avoiding peak sun exposure hours.
So, if you notice any of the above-mentioned conditions or signs you should get yourself a skin cancer screening and consult a dermatologist. Skin cancer screeningis an examination of the skin, usually performed by a dermatologist, to detect early signs of cancer before any symptoms appear. If you have a family history of skin cancer, many moles, or are frequently exposed to UV radiation in your everyday life, you should consider getting screened.