We need sun protection all year round. Even when we can’t see the sun or feel its rays, ultraviolet rays still hit our skin and damage it.
That means you should use sunscreen as part of your daily routine, no matter the season or weather. This is especially true for your face and hands. These are the areas that are most exposed to the sun.
In addition to wearing sunscreen, your daily routine should also include checking for signs of cancer. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with one in five Americans developing skin cancer in their lifetime.
That’s why checking your skin is so important. It sounds easy, but many people fail to perform a thorough skin check, especially on their back, scalp, and between their toes.
1. Spots appear on the skin
One of the early signs of skin cancer that you can observe is the appearance of unusual spots on the surface of the skin. Over time, these spots will widen.
Therefore, as quoted from Brown Health, do not underestimate if there are spots like brownish or black circles on your skin, because this is an early sign of skin cancer.
2. Changes in existing moles
Although most people realize that a new mole or a change in an existing mole can signal melanoma, subtle changes are often overlooked. Early symptoms of skin cancer include small changes in color, size, or shape, especially if the mole becomes asymmetrical or its borders begin to blur.
3. Rough or scaly patches
Rough or scaly patches that may feel slightly raised could be actinic keratosis, a precancerous condition caused by UV exposure. These patches may be easier to feel than to see and could be an early sign of squamous cell carcinoma.
In addition to patches on the surface of the skin, Halodoc explains, this condition is also accompanied by itching and pain. Skin affected by cancer will also be scaly like when you have ringworm. All of this is because cancer cells make the skin unable to regenerate.
4. A lump appears
Basal cell carcinoma can appear as a shiny, pearly lump that is often mistaken for a harmless cyst. It may be skin-colored or slightly translucent, making it difficult to distinguish from a normal skin lump.
You will find the lump on one part of your body. These lumps will generally appear on parts of the body or skin that are more exposed to direct sunlight.
5. Itchy or painful lesions
Skin cancer lesions can be itchy or painful, a symptom that is often considered a dermatological disorder rather than a potential sign of cancer. Many people assume that the itching that appears on the surface of the skin is just due to insect bites.
In fact, the surface of your skin feels itchy and painful, it could be a sign that cancer cells are starting to attack healthy skin cells. Usually, itching will appear on the surface of the skin that looks rougher and more abraded.
Awareness of early skin cancer symptoms is the first step towards prevention and early intervention. By paying attention to subtle changes in your skin and consulting a doctor, you can significantly reduce your risk of advanced skin cancer.
Remember, skin cancer is highly treatable when detected early, so regular vigilance and skin checks are an important part of your health care routine. Especially for areas that are prone to sun exposure.