Skin cancer is becoming increasingly common among the population, and one of the most important factors for prevention and early detection is self-examination. But do you know how to examine your skin?
Do you know how to distinguish a normal mole from a melanoma?
Are you familiar with the ABCDE rule for moles? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), skin cancer has become the most common cancer in the world; new cases of melanoma are increasing at a faster rate than any other cancer.
You may wonder what the causes are, but there is no single factor that triggers it. We can talk about the increase in our life expectancy, our excessive sun exposure... The positive news from these data is that it is one of the most curable types of cancer, with a 95% survival rate if detected early.
Therefore, prevention is essential, by living a healthy lifestyle and being proactive in recognizing any obvious signs of this problem on your skin.
I want to contribute by giving you some guidelines and advice on how to examine your skin, especially your moles, as they can be the origin of these melanomas.
First, I want you to know the profiles of individuals at a higher risk of developing them:
- People with fair skin and light-colored eyes, blond or red hair, whose skin tends to burn more easily.
- Those who are between 30 and 60 years old. Although it is true that they can appear at any age.
- Those who have experienced frequent sunburns during childhood.
- Those with a large number of moles (more than 50 moles on the whole body).
- People who have already had a melanoma or who have atypical moles on their skin.
- Family history of melanoma.
- Those who regularly use tanning beds.
- Those who receive immunosuppressive treatments, such as transplant recipients.
Preventing skin cancer ABCDE rule for moles
For these individuals in particular, it is advisable to have regular skin examinations by specialists. However, even if you do not fall into any of these profiles, you should also be alert to this danger and observe your skin. We encourage you to be familiar with the A, B, C, D, and E of your moles, in other words, pay special attention to moles that have these characteristics:
- A. Asymmetrical shape.
- B. Irregular border, poorly defined or uneven.
- C. Lack of uniform color.
- D. Diameter larger than 6 mm.
- E. Any mole that has evolved or changed quickly (darkening, itching, raised...).
Tips for examining your skin
Don't forget about moles or areas of your skin that are more hidden, for example, those on your scalp; for this area, it will be useful to use tools such as a hairdryer to flatten the hair and a mirror to observe the skin in detail. In many cases, moles are also hidden from our sight as they are found in the folds of our skin, so search for them carefully.
In most cases, our feet are often neglected. This also happens when trying to locate moles on the soles or between the toes. Make sure to include them in your examinations. Believe it or not, the mouth, and specifically the lips, can be places where melanomas appear. Check them frequently.
These observation tips for the A, B, C, D, and E of your moles, along with good health habits and proper nutrition, will be crucial for preventing problems and maintaining healthy skin throughout your life.
Additionally, there are several preventive factors for skin cancer that are recommended to consider. Frequently asked questions about melanoma
What are the symptoms of melanoma?
Symptoms of melanoma can include a change in the size, shape, color, or texture of a mole or mark on the skin. There may also be itching, bleeding, or pain in the affected area. What causes melanoma? Melanoma can be caused by excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds. It can also be caused by genetic factors and other risk factors such as having fair skin, family history, having many moles, or having a weakened immune system.
How is melanoma diagnosed?
Melanoma is diagnosed through a biopsy, in which a sample of skin or tissue is taken for analysis in a laboratory.
What is the treatment for melanoma?
Treatment for melanoma may include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Immunotherapy treatments may also be used in some cases.
Is melanoma curable?
Melanoma is curable if detected early and treated promptly. If detected at an advanced stage, it may be more difficult to treat.
How can melanoma be prevented?
The best way to prevent melanoma is to protect yourself from the sun. This includes using sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, wearing protective clothing such as hats and long-sleeved shirts, and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours of the day.
It is also important to regularly examine the skin and consult a dermatologist if any changes are noticed in any part of the skin.
Myths about melanoma
- Melanoma only occurs in older people. False. It can occur at any age, even in children and young adults.
- Only people with fair skin can develop melanoma. False. While people with fair skin have a higher risk of developing it, anyone can develop this disease.
- Melanomas only occur in areas of the skin exposed to the sun. False. Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, including areas that are not exposed to the sun.
- I don't need to protect myself from the sun on cloudy days. False. Although cloudy days may seem less dangerous for the skin, UV rays from the sun can still penetrate through the clouds and affect our skin.
- If I have a mole or mark on my skin, there's nothing I can do to prevent melanoma. False. Early detection and prevention of melanoma are possible through regular self-examination of the skin and regular consultations with a dermatologist.
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