With cancer risk increasing greatly as we age, resulting in 88% of people diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. being 50 years of age or older, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), it is essential to be proactively aware of risk factors and symptoms. As most skin cancer cases and deaths are caused by exposure to UV radiation, your actions have the ability to potentially prevent or lower your risk of developing this serious disease.

 

Explaining Skin Cancer
The human body is made up of trillions of cells. Normally, these cells grow and divide to form new cells when the body needs them, such as when they naturally age or become damaged. This typically balanced process occurs throughout the body, but sometimes new clusters of abnormal or damaged cells multiply when they shouldn’t. Eventually, these clusters form lumps known as tumors, which can potentially spread into nearby tissues and elsewhere in the body, causing significant health issues or even death.

When it comes to skin cancer, the initial cells affected are those in the epidermis, the outermost skin layer, which is made up of three cell types: basal, squamous and melanocytes.

 

Common Types of Skin Cancer
When it comes to skin cancer, the type of cancer a person develops is determined by where the cancer begins. Common types of skin cancer include:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) — The most common, slow-growing form of skin cancer often appears on regularly sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, arms and lower legs. BCC can appear in various ways on the skin, including as a firm, round and raised growth; a circle-shaped area that dips in the center; a sore that doesn’t heal or heals and returns; or a scaly patch on the skin. In the affected area, people also report pain, itching, numbness, a pins-and-needles sensation or extreme sensitivity.

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential; if left untreated, BCC can spread deep into the body. For a detailed overview of BCC, consult this article by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Association.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) – Squamous cells make up the upper part of the epidermis. Similar to BCC, SCC is often found in areas of the skin exposed to excessive UV radiation, such as among people who spend a lot of time outdoors without protection or are tanning bed aficionados. For people with black and brown skin, SCC can occur in areas not exposed to the sun.

Symptoms include firm nodules on the skin or new sores on various parts of the body  that may have a raised area or a scaly patch and don’t heal or go away.

Read the Mayo Clinic’s overview on SCC for more information on this condition. While not usually life-threatening, it can grow large or spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.

Melanoma – Considered among the most serious forms of skin cancer, melanoma has a tendency to spread, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial. Melanoma starts in the lower part of the epidermis, where melanin-producing cells are located; these cells make the pigment that gives skin its natural color. It can occur anywhere on the skin — even areas that aren’t commonly exposed to the sun, such as inside the body, in the eye and under nails — and is often associated with changes in moles or skin pigmentation.
 

Familiarize yourself with the ABCDEs of melanoma to help guide your self-examination efforts if you spot a concerning mole that has changed shape or color.

 

Signs of Skin Cancer
For anyone with enhanced risk factors, such as a family history of skin cancer, weakened immune system or history of bad sunburns or fair skin, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the signs of skin cancer, so you can get prompt medical attention.

According to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, the symptoms of skin cancer vary depending on where the disease originates and can change as it develops.

 

Early Signs
Preliminary symptoms may include:

New spots on the skin; they may even itch or hurt

Change in shape, size or color of an existing mole or spot

New, shiny red or skin-colored bump

Rough, red patch that’s dry or scaly

 

Late Signs and Symptoms
As skin cancer progresses, you may notice:

Sore that doesn’t heal, bleeds or forms a crust

Raised bump with a center that bleeds or scabs

Wart-like bumps

Scar-like area with no clear edges

Moles that change quickly, having uneven edges or colors

 

Cancer is a very serious illness, but taking simple prevention efforts, such as protecting your skin from the sun and avoiding tobacco and alcohol use, can greatly reduce your risk. For those with one or more risk factors or who enjoy partaking in activities that can put you in harm’s way, such as indoor tanning or spending lots of time outdoors, prompt examination can help improve your outcomes. Everyone’s skin is different, so being familiar with your markings, pigmentation and texture can help flag changes early. Find our other health-related newsletters at southernconsumers.org.

 

Articles in this newsletter are meant to be informative, enlightening and helpful to you. While all information contained herein is meant to be completely factual, it is always subject to change. Articles are not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your doctor before starting any new health routine. 

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