Following the news that Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of skin cancer, doctors at the Health Suite in Leicester have stressed how important it is to get tested if you have any concerns about your skin or moles.
Dr Asiya Maula said, “Skin cancer, one of the most prevalent forms of cancer globally, is a health concern that demands our attention. The importance of getting any suspicious-looking moles reviewed can not be understated”
Understanding Skin Cancer
Skin cancer arises from the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells, and it can manifest in various forms, the most common being basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer. However, it’s crucial to understand that skin cancer can affect anyone – not just those who spend a lot of time in the sun.
Early Detection is Key
The most compelling reason to get tested for skin cancer is the power of early detection. When caught early, most skin cancers are highly treatable. Regular screenings can identify suspicious moles or skin changes early on, leading to quicker treatment and better outcomes. In particular, melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, has a high cure rate when detected and treated early.
Know Your Skin
Regular skin self-exams can play a crucial role in early detection. Familiarize yourself with your skin’s pattern of moles, freckles, and other marks to better recognize any changes. Look for new growths, sores that don’t heal, or changes in the size, shape, or colour of existing moles. These could be early signs of skin cancer.
Professional Screenings
While self-exams are important, they are no substitute for a professional screening by a dermatologist. A dermatologist can provide a thorough skin examination and identify any signs of cancer that you might miss. They can also recommend a screening schedule based on your personal risk factors, such as skin type, history of sunburns, family history of skin cancer, and overall health.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
Apart from regular screenings, taking preventive measures is key. This includes using sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing protective clothing, avoiding peak sun hours, and steering clear of tanning beds. Remember, UV radiation can penetrate clouds and glass, so protection is essential even on cloudy days or while indoors near windows.
The Health Suite in Leicester offers a “Trucheck Intelli” test, which can help avoid late cancer detection, which can lead to intensive and expensive treatments. Finding cancer early, before you have symptoms, can significantly improve your chances of survival.
Find out more about Trucheck Intelli and cancer testes here.
Common Q&A about Suspicious-Looking Moles
A suspicious-looking mole is typically an irregularly shaped, discolored, or changing mole that may indicate potential skin cancer, particularly melanoma. Signs include asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colors, a diameter larger than 6mm, or any change in size, shape, or color.
To identify a suspicious mole, use the ABCDE rule:
- Asymmetry: One half is different from the other.
- Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges.
- Color: Varied shades of brown, black, or other colors.
- Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or color over time.
While many new moles are harmless, any new mole that appears after the age of 30 or changes in appearance should be evaluated by a dermatologist. It’s essential to monitor for any signs of suspicious characteristics.
If you find a suspicious mole, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible. They may perform a thorough skin examination and, if necessary, a biopsy to determine if the mole is cancerous.
It’s a good practice to perform a self-examination of your skin and moles every month. Additionally, have a dermatologist check your skin at least once a year, or more frequently if you have a history of skin cancer or numerous moles.
Yes, several risk factors include:
- Family history of skin cancer
- Fair skin, light hair, and light eyes
- History of sunburns or excessive sun exposure
- Use of tanning beds
- Weakened immune system
If a mole is determined to be cancerous, treatment options may include surgical removal, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or radiation, depending on the type and stage of skin cancer. Non-cancerous suspicious moles can also be removed for cosmetic reasons.
Not all suspicious-looking moles need to be removed. A dermatologist will assess the mole and may recommend monitoring it or conducting a biopsy to determine if it is cancerous before deciding on removal.
During a mole biopsy, a small sample of the mole is removed and examined under a microscope to check for cancerous cells. The procedure can be done in a dermatologist’s office and usually involves local anesthesia.
While you cannot completely prevent moles from developing, you can reduce your risk of developing suspicious moles by:
- Wearing sunscreen daily
- Avoiding tanning beds
- Seeking shade during peak sun hours
- Wearing protective clothing and hats when outdoors
- Regularly checking your skin for changes