How can I check for the early signs skin cancer
Try to get to know the site and look of the normal moles or marks on your body so that you will know if there has been any change. If you notice any new growth or new change on your skin and you do not know what it is then see a doctor. In particular, if you notice any change in the size, shape or colour of an existing mole, or if a new dark area of skin develops.
How can I prevent skin cancer from developing?
Most skin cancers are caused by excessive exposure to the sun. We should all limit our sun exposure in the summer months (or all year when in hot countries nearer the equator) by:
- Staying indoors or seeking the shade as much as possible between 11am and 3pm.
- Covering up with clothes and a wide brimmed hat when we are out in the sunshine.
- Applying sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or more to all exposed areas of skin when we are out in strong sunlight.
- In particular, children should be protected from the sun. Sunburn or excessive exposure to the sun in childhood is thought to be the biggest risk factor for the developing of skin cancer as an adult.
See separate leaflet called 'Skin cancer - Prevention' for details.
Further help and information
CancerBACUP,
3 Bath Place, Rivington Street, London, EC2A 3JR
Tel: 0808 800 1234
Web: www.cancerbackup.org.uk/
Provides information and support to anyone affected by cancer.
Cancer Research UK
Their website, www.cancerhelp.org.uk, provides facts about cancer including treatment choices.
Wessex Cancer Trust Marc's Line
Tel (Information line): 01722 415071 Web: www.wessexcancer.org
Marc's Line (Melanoma And Related Cancers of the Skin) offers telephone advice on skin cancers.
Other support groups
See www.patient.co.uk/selfhelp.asp for a list of self help and support groups for cancer patients.
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Where to next?
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Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
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How can I protect skin from the sun?
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How is melanoma assessed and staged
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Melanoma (Malignant Melanoma)
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Staging of melanoma
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Sun and health
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Sun and Health: More help
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Sun and Health: Some things that you might not realise
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Understanding the skin
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What are cancer, skin cancer and tumours?
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What are the possible problems from the sun?
susie, about 1 year
i have a hard lump on the outside of my nose, in the crease, it dosn't hurt, i was wandering if u could get a cancer lump there? please reply, thank you, susie
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