There has been an increase in the number of skin cancer cases in recent years. This may be due to attitudes that indoor tanning is safer and therefore acceptable, an increase in the popularity of tanning overall, or a decrease in preventative measures taken. Here are the ways that you can rise above the challenges of skin cancer.
Use Precautionary Measures
Taking measures that limit the amount of sun exposure is a good first step. This means that you provide shade to your body, which is becoming easier every year. Swimming suits in the style of rash suits are being popularized and cover more skin with UV protective material. Hats, jackets, and even webbed shoes have been made and are still being developed to be used in hot weather while still protecting you from harmful UV radiation. The use of sunscreen is also important, and dermatologists recommend you apply sunscreen or SPF rated product to your skin every day. This is especially important to instill these habits into your kids while they are still habit forming. Healthy skin doesn’t have a tan because if you’re tanned, your skin is damaged. UV Rays damage the DNA structure of your skin, and the tanned skin then dies to prevent itself from living on to produce cancerous cells. Repeated exposure and damage to your skin could result in you developing skin cancer. Melanoma is becoming more diagnosed than any other type of cancer, especially in high altitude areas where UV rays are stronger.
Get It Checked
If you suspect that you have a problem with your skin, you should get it checked out by a doctor. They will be able to determine if you need to see a specialist or have further testing performed. Skin cancer doesn’t have to creep up on you and be out of your control as long as you pay attention to changes in your skin. There are certain distinguishing features to look for at home that can help you determine if what you have is melanoma or an oddly formed freckle or mole. Asymmetry, color of the mole itself, itching or pain, and a change in color over time could indicate that you have some form of skin cancer.
Seek Treatment Options
There are many options when it comes to the treatment of skin cancer. Melanoma cancer treatment services are available at specialized centers that can help you to decide which course of treatment would be best for you. There are other many types of skin cancer, each with different needs in terms of treatment, so it is important that you see a specialist that can properly diagnose your particular strain. Seeking out treatment is the first step to ensuring that the cancer is removed and unable to cause further problems. While many forms of skin cancer can be easily dealt with, waiting could allow the cells to grow and create a more fatal condition.
Take It Seriously
All types of skin cancer can prove to be dangerous if they’re left untreated. Getting it checked out early will provide you with the best chances at a full recovery. More people every day are being told that they have skin cancer or are in the pre-stages of developing skin cancer. All UV exposure puts you at risk for developing skin cancer, and reducing that exposure is essential to maintain your health. Use these tips to prevent and treat skin cancer so that you can rise above the challenges being faced in this growing epidemic.
Skin cancer is serious, so make sure to talk with professionals that can help you with expert advice. Make sure to do your own research too, as this can be incredibly beneficial.