by Victoria Dame

Created on: May 26, 2008   Last Updated: June 23, 2008

I have been told that skin cancer is the common type of cancer and that the number of cases of skin cancer has increased in the past few decades. I myself am a victim of this cancer. When I was young I was a sun worshiper, I lived on a lake and spent every spare minute I could tanning. Now I have little white patches from having my dermatologist freeze spots of cancer off my face and body.

Skin cancers are divided into two general types; non-melanoma and melanoma. Non-melanoma skin cancers are the most common cancers of the skin. It is the type that I have.
They are called non-melanoma because all but one skin cancer falls under this group.

There are a lot of things you can do to protect yourself and your family from skin cancer, or to catch it early enough so that it can be treated effectively. As you probably know most skin cancers are cause by too much exposure to ultraviolet rays. Much of it comes from the sun but now in this day and age there are man made sources, such as tanning beds.

To detect early signs of skin cancer you should have your skin checked by your Doctor as a routine cancer related checkup. Have your doctor check your skin carefully. Then sit down and discuss any concerns you might have about this exam.

It is also important for you to check your own skin, at least once a month. Do this in a well lighted room in front of a full length mirror. You will also need a hand held mirror for the hard to see areas. If at all possible have your spouse or a close friend help you with this exam.

The first time you do this spend a lot of time carefully going over your whole body. Learn your moles and how they look and any blemishes, freckles and other marks on your skin so that the next time you look you will notice if there is any type of change. If you find any spot that trouble you have your doctor look at them.

Face the mirror:
Check your face, ears, neck, chest, and belly. Women will need to lift breasts to check the skin underneath.

Check the underarm areas, both sides of your arms, the tops and bottoms of your hands, in between your fingers, and fingernail beds.

Sit Down:
Check the front of your thighs, shins, tops of your feet, in between your toes, and toenail beds.

Now look at the bottoms of your feet, your calves, and the backs of your thighs, first checking one leg and then the other. Here you will need your hand mirror.

Use the hand mirror to check the buttocks, genital area, lower back, upper back, and the back of the neck.
Or it may be easier to look at your back in the wall mirror using a hand mirror.

Use a comb or hair dryer to part your hair so that you can check your scalp.

The most common early warning sign of skin cancer is a change on the skin, especially a new growth or a sore that doesn't heal. Skin cancer symptoms don't all look the same. For example, the cancer may start as a small, smooth, shiny, pale, or waxy lump. Or it can appear as a firm red lump. Sometimes, the lump bleeds or develops a crust. Skin cancer can also start as a flat, red spot that is rough, dry, or scaly.

Changes in the skin are not sure signs of skin cancer; however, it is important to see a doctor if any symptom lasts longer than 2 weeks. Don't wait for the area to hurt - skin cancers seldom cause pain.

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