Yesterday I wrote a post focusing on skin cancer and the risks associated with it, as well as some tips on how you can protect yourself from those harmful uv rays. In today’s post, I’ll be sharing my knowledge on what to you can do if you’re suspecting skin cancer. Let’s hope my nursing/medical knowledge helps me again today.
First and foremost, when people think of skin cancer, it’s often an abnormality of a mole or some mark on the skin. Which, in all honesty, is very true. This is why the doctors always tell you to keep an eye on your already existing moles and to monitor any new ones.As a slight change in a mole can be indicative of an abnormality. I think now’s an important time to note that there are two different classifications of abnormalities; benign and malignant. Benign is an abnormality that poses no threat to the body, but does have the chance to become harmful if the cancer worsens. Malignant is the opposite of benign in that it’s harmful throughout it’s entirity.
A helpful tool that’ll be beneficial for you when inspecting your moles and/or skin lesions is ABCDE. A stands for asymmetry, B stands for borders, C stands for colour, D stands for diameter, and E stands for evolution. Melanoma lesions are typically uneven in their shape, have an uneven border, are uneven in colour distrubtion or consist of multiple colours, are greater than 6 mm (anything larger than the eraser on the end of a pencil), and will change overtime. This is why it’s important to seek medical attention if suspecting skin cancer (or any cancer/illness for that matter).
If you can’t see/reach or see any moles, have a VERY close friend, significant other, or someone who you’re comfortable with do a quick inspection of hidden spots for you. And as with any other type of cancer, early detection is key. So, I urge to go see your primary medical professional if you suspect any changes in any moles or if you have new skin lesions that seem abnormal.
Alex Newton is a nursing student and mental health advocate. She grew up in a small town and plans on moving to London, England one day and open up her own health practice. She has a cat named Maya who she adopted whilst going through some difficulties. She’s a daughter, sister, and warrior who enjoys a nice cuppa tea.
Defying Shadows 