Skin cancer is a disease that happens when skin cells grow out of control and become infectious. It is one of the most common types of cancer. Understand about screen cancer screening in this guide and know the importance of it.
What Are the Reasons Behind Skin Cancer?
Here can be many reasons behind skin cancer, some of them are:
● Excessive UV Exposure
Excessive exposure to UV rays from sun or tanning beds can damage skin cells. Mutations can be the result of this and can lead to uncontrolled growth of cells and skin cancer. UV radiation is the most common factor for developing skin cancer.
● Skin Type
People who have fair skin, light eyes and red hair have less melanin and this may cause less protection against UV radiation. This makes these people more unprotected from sunburn and skin damage and increases the risk of skin cancer.
● Family History
If you have a family history of skin cancer, then your risk may increase. Genetic factors increase the chances of developing abnormal skin cells which can lead you to skin cancer. A family history of skin cancer states that your skin is more prone to get damaged from UV rays.
● Smoking
Smoking affects the skin’s healing ability leading to damage. Smoking can lead to a weak immune system, making it harder to fight against abnormal skin cells. People who smoke frequently have more chances of developing skin cancer.
What Is Screening?
Screening is looking for cancer before an individual has any symptoms. Screening helps in finding cancer at an early stage and treatment can be started at any time. When your healthcare specialist finds abnormal cells or cancer in the early stage, it will become easy to treat, and it can prevent the chances of cancer cells spreading.
You should visit for healthcare advice on time or if there are any new or changed spots you can see on your skin. The symptoms of skin cancer can be:
- A new spot on the skin.
- A change in the size, shape or color of the existing spot.
- A red or skin-colored shiny bump on the top of your skin.
- An itchy or painful spot.
- A non-healing sore that bleeds or develops a crust on the skin.
These skin changes can vary greatly so it is advisable to visit for medical testing regularly and let your healthcare professional examine briefly.
What Does Skin Cancer Screening Involve?
Skin cancer screenings can involve a variety of tests or procedures, including:
- A physical exam will be conducted in which a healthcare professional will look for any lumps, abnormalities or other signs of disease.
- Laboratory tests may involve taking samples of blood, urine, tissue or other substances for abnormalities.
- Imaging tests can also be expected in which a healthcare expert uses a non-invasive procedure to examine internal organs and bones. In imaging tests, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds and X-rays will play their role.
- In genetic tests, an expert will analyze cells or tissues to look for changes in genes or chromosomes.
- Depending on the type of skin cancer, your healthcare professional may conduct other tests.
Can You Conduct Self Examination for Skin Cancer?
Yes, it is possible to perform a self-exam to check for skin cancer. Regular self-examination can help you find issues early which can improve your chances of getting better treatment. Here are the tips for performing skin cancer screening:
- Mae a scheduled time. You can do your self-examination on a fixed day of the month. All you need to do is to stick to it.
- Take a mirror and try to get a full-length one. Also, a hand-held mirror can be needed to check different parts of your body.
- Examine your entire body, your face, ears, neck, chest, belly and arms.
- You must look for changes like a new or changed spot. New moles, changes in existing ones, soreness, itching or bleeding can be the noticeable signs.
- Pay more attention in summer especially if you are stepping out in the sun more often.
- Ask for help if you have someone with you to examine the back and scalp briefly.
Ask for expert advice when needed and if possible then visit to clinic for regular examinations or medical check-ups. It can help you get treatment with the hands of an expert.
Conclusion
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers and chances of getting better treatment will increase if you follow regular checkups and your expert advice. Understandably, you cannot visit for regular checkups if you have a busy schedule so you can do a regular self-examination.
Skin cancer screeningscan help you get the right treatment at the right time so look for a screening expert and get started.