Tuesday, June 28, 2022
There are three types of skin cancer: melanoma, the most serious form, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Even though basal and squamous cell carcinomas aren’t considered deadly and are unlikely to spread, catching them early means they’re easier to treat. And while melanoma is responsible for more than 7,650 deaths per year, the five-year survival rate is 99% when the cancer is caught before its spread, according to the American Cancer Society. Here, with the help of Beaumont dermatologist, Andrea Schrieber, are seven signs of skin cancer you might not know about — but should.
- New or changing spots that aren't brown
- Skin changes in odd places
- A lesion that bleeds
- A painful lesion
- A lesion that itches
- A spot with a crater-like appearance
- Rapid growth of a spot
Finally, when it comes to skin cancer, the old adage, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," especially holds true.
"We know that the majority of skin cancer occurs in sun-exposed areas and that UV light plays a huge role in creating skin cancer," says Schrieber.
Her advice: Wear sunscreen, apply it liberally and evenly, reapply every two hours or sooner if you're sweating and swimming, and wear UPF-labeled sun protective clothing along with a wide brimmed hat to protect the ears and neck.
This story originally appeared in the Detroit Free Press 2022 Cancer Guide