Genetic tests are helpful for people with risk factors for breast cancer and ovarian cancer, but not everyone needs them. Breast cancer genes can be rather confusing. Let’s dive in so you have a better understanding.
We have come a long way from the days when using baby oil to acquire a beautiful tan was all the rage. Even though most people are aware just how dangerous the sun is, there are still sun worshippers who think they are invulnerable, and only a couple of hours in the sun won’t hurt.
We beg to differ.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States with more cases than any other cancer combined. No matter your age, your nationality, or especially if you are a parent, be aware of the dangers of skin cancer and melanoma.
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Spotting Skin Cancer
No one needs to wait for their annual doctor’s appointment to spot skin cancer. Make it a practice to do a monthly check of your skin for any changes in moles or lesions. The more frequently you assess these spots, the easier it will be to notice if something has grown or changed in shape or color.
If anything seems amiss, see a Southwest Diagnostic Center Expert right away. The smaller the spot and the sooner you get a diagnosis, the easier it will be to treat and cure.
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, whereas Squamous cell and Basal cell skin cancers are more common forms and also more easily cured if caught early.
Use The ABCDE Method
Melanoma can develop anywhere, even in places you least expect. In men it develops more frequently on the face, while in women it tends to occur on the lower legs.
There is a simple method to spot melanoma: ABCDE.
A stands for Asymmetry. Note if one side of the mole doesn’t match the other.
B stands for Border. Look for a mole where the edges are irregular or blurred.
C stands for Color. If there are different shades and colors throughout the mole, it could be melanoma. Sometimes there may be black, brown and even red, pink or white included.
D is for Diameter. Watch out for moles larger than one quarter inch or about the size of a pencil eraser.
E is for Evolving. You will notice changes in the size, shape, or color of the mole.
Risk Factors
Although anyone is susceptible to melanoma and skin cancers, there are some people more at risk than others. Some of them include:
Fair skinned people who are less protected from the sun due to less melanin in their skin. This holds true for light haired people and redheads.
Those with a history of skin cancer in their family.
Anyone with a job that excessively exposes them to the sun.
Those who consistently sunbathe or tan. This includes people who have used tanning beds and lamps.
People who live in warmer climates and those living at high altitudes.
Anyone who has a history of sunburns from their childhood or teens.
People with a weakened immune system.
A person with many moles.
Protect Yourself
Wear sunscreen whenever you are out in the sun, and protect your children especially at the beach or when outdoors for any length of time. Clouds are not protection from the UV rays.
Avoid being outside in the middle of the day from 10 am until 2 PM if possible.
Protect Yourself
Wear sunscreen whenever you are out in the sun, and protect your children especially at the beach or when outdoors for any length of time. Clouds are not protection from the UV rays. Avoid being outside in the middle of the day from 10 am until 2 PM if possible.
In addition, wear protective clothing like hats with brims and sunglasses, and use sunscreen throughout the year.
There are countless skin products on the market with SPF as well as self tanning options. You can still get that glow without endangering your life and prematurely aging your skin.
CT vs PET Scan: What’s the difference? One takes just minutes to complete and the other up to two hours. You doctor or care team determines which test will provide the information needed for your health concerns. Let’s learn more.
All cancers are easier to treat when they are detected early. Unfortunately, early signs of lung cancer are often ignored as patients think they are not related, causing the cancer to be undiagnosed until an advanced stage. Be proactive and learn the early signs of lung cancer.
There is so much information about cancer in our TV ads and on the internet that it’s easy to forget it can happen to those we love. While there are a ton of cancer statistics and knowledge in our brains, none of that is helpful when talking and listening to someone with cancer.
We hope you never have to use these cancer terms, but knowledge is power. If you or someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, you would be a step ahead if you were familiar with them. Cancer terminology: 11 terms to know.
You have just heard the dreaded words, “You have cancer.” Suddenly your world stops, and you become terrified and numb at the same time. A million questions loom, and you wonder how to cope. Let us provide some suggestions about how to cope with a cancer diagnosis.
Getting screened for colon cancer is a necessary part of life once you reach your 40s or age 50. Your personal risk factors affect when you should begin screening and what screening tools are recommended. Today there are several options, and if you are reluctant to get a traditional colonoscopy, keep reading for a patient’s guide to a virtual colonoscopy.
If you are wondering what this question means, or if you wonder why we are asking it, it’s time to educate yourself. We will help to explain what to do when you have a family history of colon cancer, why it’s important, and where to start your education.
Screening tests to detect early kidney cancer do not exist, and unfortunately, there are few if any early symptoms of this cancer. Most patients don’t notice any signs until the tumor has grown larger and begins to affect other organs. Consequently, be prepared to recognize the signs you should be tested for kidney cancer.