According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
While far from the leading cause of death, it still warrants your attention, especially as you age and notice signs that may point to skin cancer, also known as melanoma. The best prevention method is early detection through an annual skin cancer screening, along with noticing possible signs.
How Does Skin Cancer Develop?
Skin cells normally die and are replaced by the birth of new cells. Skin cancer develops when abnormal growth occurs. Some of the new cells may be malignant and cancerous. If not treated, these cells can spread to adjacent tissues and other areas of the body.
What Causes Skin Cancer?
Frequent exposure to sunlight without the use of sunscreen increases your risk of skin cancer. This includes those who frequently work outdoors and are prone to sunburns that lead to pain or a burning sensation. Natural sunlight aside, frequent use of tanning beds or ultraviolet light therapy may also put you at a greater risk.
Signs of Skin Cancer
The following are signs of skin cancer, though these symptoms may point to other conditions or be completely benign. The only way to know for sure is by scheduling a screening.
You can remember the signs of skin cancer to watch for by the easy-to-remember acronym: ABCDE.
- Asymmetrical – Is there an irregularly-shaped mole?
- Border – does the border of the mole appear jagged rather than smooth?
- Color -does the mole’s color appear uneven, or darker/lighter in one area than another?
- Diameter – is the mole larger than the size of a pea?
- Evolving – has the mole changed in shape, size, or color within the last several weeks?
Skin Cancer Screening Process
If any of the ABCDEs of skin cancer apply to you, and you’re near or over the age of 65, then getting a skin cancer screening from a local dermatologist is paramount. The process consists of a full-body skin scan to establish a baseline.
The scan covers from the top of your scalp to the soles of your feet to detect signs of abnormal spots that may potentially be cancerous. If you notice any unusual spots on your skin, be sure to bring this to your dermatologist’s attention.
During the procedure, you’ll wear a gown, and the dermatologist will perform a scan using a light-imaging tool or a hand-held scanner called a dermatoscope. Assuming nothing unusual is detected, the scan shouldn’t last more than 15 minutes.
If the scan reveals a mole or other abnormal spot, the doctor will arrange a date for a biopsy, where tissue from the area will be collected and sent for lab testing. If the result is positive, your doctor will advise you on the next steps.
Why a Skin Cancer Screening is Important for Older Adults
Over 5 million people in the United States are treated for skin care every year, and the majority of them are people aged 65 and older.
Skin cancer is one of the costliest cancers in the nation, with the treatment cost expected to rise to 1.6 billion dollars in 2030. This is why prevention is the best course of action.
With just less than 20% of older adults protecting their skin during a sunny day, they are at a higher risk of getting skin cancer.
So it’s recommended that your senior loved one regularly perform a self-body scan in the bathroom from head to toe every month. This should be done on top of yearly screenings. Fortunately, if treated early, skin cancer has a five-year survival rate of 90%.
See also: The Importance of Elderly Skin Care
Regular skin cancer screenings are not only important for elderly adults to remain healthy, but they can also save lives. It’s crucial for elderly individuals in Lafayette, LA, to proactively seek out skin cancer screenings so that any health issues can be detected early.
As the leading home care provider in Lafayette, LA, Home Instead provides a range of services for aging adults, from managing medication to transporting patients to and from screening appointments to help keep them safe and well cared for.
Let us provide your family with the support you need so your senior loved one can receive regular skin cancer screenings and stay healthy over time.
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