It is normal to have moles on your body as practically everyone has dozens of moles on their body. Most of these moles are non-malignant, and are of no danger. However there is a chance for some of these moles to become cancerous and these moles are called skin cancer moles.

It is the moles that have been around for a long time, or which suddenly appear that are called skin cancer moles. Existing moles that suddenly change specific characteristics may become skin cancer moles.

Basically, skin cancer manifests itself as an abnormal accumulation of cells that resembles a sore or pimple that does not heal. These sores may bleed or ooze fluid, crust or scab over and may also ooze and bleed again. While cancer may occur anywhere on the skin, it is most common on areas exposed to the sun.

Skin cancer and skin moles are not painful but may manifest itself as sores that do not heal. This is why cancer sometimes goes unnoticed. The moment you find some difference in the ABCD of any mole on your body, or if you develop new moles on your body, it is better to consult your doctor about it as soon as possible.

You can find out if moles are cancerous by following the ABCD rule:

1. Asymmetry is when half of the growth acquires a different shape from the other. You have to look at both halves of the mole, as if it had an imaginary line in its middle. If you find the mole is not equal, you have to have it examined.

2. Borders that are irregular because of scalloped or uneven edges are signs of skin cancer moles. Even moles that bleed, itch or are painful indicate cancer.

3. Colors where the mole changes color with its growth or where there is lack of uniformity in color are signs of skin cancer. Melanomas acquire different colors like black, brown and tan shades and may have red, white and blue specks.

4. Diameter of a mole that is larger than the diameter of a pencil eraser depicts cancerous moles and should be tested for skin cancer. So keep checking moles for an increase in its diameter.

It is important that you regularly examine your skin for new moles and for changes in existing moles. Stand in front of a mirror, and examine moles on both the front and back of your body, including under your arms.

Remember that melanoma or cancer moles are a dangerous and invasive form of skin cancer that can appear anywhere on the body, including under fingernails. The risks of melanoma are increased if you have a mole from birth. Ask your doctor for the best mole removal method for you.

First and foremost, you should take special care to limit your exposure to Ultra Violet rays of the sun. Exposure of skin to these rays increases the risk of developing skin cancer. You must avoid going out in the sun between 11: 00 a.m. and 4: 00 p.m. If you have to go out in the sun, make sure that you take necessary precaution to protect yourself from the harmful ultra-violet rays of sun.

Apply a good sunscreen with high SPF or sun protection factor. Try to apply sun screen generously before going out in the sun. Don’t forget to reapply the sunscreen after every half an hour.

A lot of studies in this regard have proved that applying a good sunscreen can prevent skin cancer. Try to dress in dark colors. Also wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and surrounding tissues from absorbing the harmful ultra-violet rays of the sun.

Most people are under a notion that a tanning bed can be safe option. This is a wrong notion. A tanning bed can prove to be more dangerous than exposing your skin to sun’s rays. The best method is to use a sunless tanning lotion. You can purchase it from any of the local department store. It is available in different varieties for different skin types. However, remember that a sunless tan lotion will not provide you SPF protection. You need to see the label in order to make sure that a sunless tan lotion is providing an SPF.

When it comes to skin cancer, anyone can develop skin cancer. It does not attack any particular age, race or skin type. The disease also does not spread according to a particular geographical location. However, certain skin types are more vulnerable to skin cancer as compared to others. People with fair skin, light hair and light eye color or a large number of moles or freckles are more vulnerable to skin cancer.

If some one in your family suffers from skin cancer. It is more likely that you may develop this disease.

Here are some tips to prevent skin cancer:

• Tip 1

You should know about the genetic factor such as fair skin, light-colored eyes, a lot of moles or freckles or even a tendency to develop sun burn easily.

• Tip 2

Do not spend a lot of time outdoors. If you had a serious sun burn at a certain point in your life, went to a tanning salon or used a tanning bed, you may develop skin cancer. Visit a skin specialist as a precautionary step.

• Tip 3

Always use sunscreen and lip balm when going outside. Make sure that you wear protective clothing and good quality sunglasses.

• Tip 4

Have a diet rich in antioxidants as it will support your immune system.

• Tip 5

Avoid sun tanning, tanning beds or tanning salons.

• Tip 6

Keep checking your body regularly for any moles lesions or skin irregulation.

Limit exposure to reflective surfaces such as snow, water, concrete and sand. Remember that water activities can increases exposure to reflective UV rays.

Another type of cancer that occurs in the skin is melanoma, which begins in the melanocytes. Although anyone can get skin cancer, the risk is greatest for people who have fair skin that freckles easily–often those with red or blond hair and blue or light-colored eyes.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. Artificial sources of UV radiation, such as sunlamps and tanning booths, can also cause skin cancer.

The risk of developing skin cancer is affected by where a person lives. People who live in areas that get high levels of UV radiation from the sun are more likely to get skin cancer. In the United States, for example, skin cancer is more common in Texas than it is in Minnesota, where the sun is not as strong. Worldwide, the highest rates of skin cancer are found in South Africa and Australia, areas that receive high amounts of UV radiation.

In addition, skin cancer is related to lifetime exposure to UV radiation. Most skin cancers appear after age 50, but the sun’s damaging effects begin at an early age. Therefore, protection should start in childhood to prevent skin cancer later in life

[Questions & Answers]

Q: When Do I need to protect myself from sun exposure? A: Protection from sun exposure is important all year round, not just during the summer or at the beach. Any time the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are able to reach the earth, you need to protect yourself from excessive sun exposure.

UV rays can cause skin damage during any season or temperature. Relatively speaking, the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during daylight savings time (9 a.m. – 3 p.m. during standard time) are the most hazardous for UV exposure in the continental United States. UV radiation is the greatest during the late spring and early summer in North America.

Remember: UV rays reach you on cloudy and hazy days, as well as on bright and sunny days. UV rays will also reflect off any surface like water, cement, sand, and snow.

Q: How can I protect myself from the sun’s UV rays? A: When possible, avoid outdoor activities during midday, when the sun’s rays are strongest.This usually means the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

You can also wear protective clothing,such as a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants.For eye protection, wear wraparound sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV ray protection. And always wear a broad-spectrum (protection against both UVA and UVB rays) sunscreen and lipscreen with at least SPF 15.

Remember to reapply as indicated by the manufacturer’s directions. Also, check the sunscreen’s expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years. Exposure to extreme temperatures can shorten the expiration date or shelf life of sunscreen.

Q: What does a suntan indicate? Why does the skin tan when exposed to the sun? A: The penetration of UV rays to the skin’s inner layer results in the production of more melanin. That melanin eventually moves toward the outer layers of the skin and becomes visible as a tan.

A suntan is not an indicator of good health. Some physicians consider the skin’s tanning a response to injury because it appears after the sun’s UV rays have killed some cells and damaged others.

Q: Does it matter what kind of sunscreen I use? A: Sunscreens come in a variety of forms such as lotions, gels, and sprays, so there are plentyof different options. There are also sunscreens made for specific purposes, such as the scalp, sensitive skin, and for use on babies. Regardless of the type of sunscreen you choose, be sure that you use one that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and that it offers at least SPF 15.

Q: What does a sunscreen’s SPF rating mean? A: Sunscreens are assigned a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) number according to their effectiveness in offering protection from UV rays. Higher numbers indicate more protection. As a rule of thumb, you should always use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15.

Q: Do sunscreens need to be reapplied during the course of a day? A: You should follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding reapplication or you risk not getting the protection that you might think you are getting. Though recently developed sunscreens are more resistant to loss through sweating and getting wet than previous sunscreens were, you should still reapply frequently, especially during peak sun hours or after swimming or sweating.

Q: What kinds of clothing best protect my skin from UV rays? A: Clothing that covers your skin protects against the sun’s UV rays. Loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and long pants made from tightly woven fabric offer the best protection. A wet t-shirt offers you much less UV protection than does a dry one.

If wearing this type of clothing isn’t practical, at least try to wear a t-shirt or a beach cover-up. Keep in mind, however, that a typical t-shirt actually has an SPF rating substantially lower than the recommended SPF 15, so double-up on protection by using sunscreen with at least SPF 15 (and UVA and UVB protection) and staying in the shade when you can.

Q: It gets so hot here in the summer, there’s no way I could be comfortable in long pants and along-sleeved shirt. So, what else can I do to protect my skin? A: Protecting yourself from the sun’s UV rays doesn’t have to be a major chore; it’s just a matter of knowing your options and using them. Wearing a dry t-shirt is a good start, but it is not enough if you are going to be outside for more than a few minutes.

If you can’t wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, you can boost your protection by seeking shade whenever possible and by always wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 15.

Q: Will a hat help protect my skin? Are there recommended styles for the best protection? A: Hats can help shield your skin from the sun’s UV rays. Choose a hat that provides shade for all of your head and neck. For the most protection, wear a hat with a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck.

If you choose to wear a baseball cap, you should also protect your ears and the back of your neck by wearing clothing that covers those areas, using sunscreen with at least SPF 15, or by staying in the shade. The amount of shade offered by a particular hat appears to be its most important prevention characteristic. If a darker hat is an option, though, it may offer even more UV protection.

Q: Are sunglasses an important part of my sun protection plan? A: Yes. Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure.

Q: What type of sunglasses best protects my eyes from UV rays? A: Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection. The majority of sunglasses sold in the United States, regardless of cost, meet this standard. Wrap-around sunglasses work best because they block UV rays from sneaking in from the side.

Q: Is there any particular time I should try to stay in the shade? A: The sun’s UV rays are strongest and do the most damage during midday, so it’s best to avoid direct exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. You can reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer by seeking shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter before you need relief from the sun.

Q: I work outdoors all summer and can’t stay in the shade. What can I do to protect my skin? A: If you can’t avoid the sun, you can protect your skin by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, wraparound sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants.

You can also wear a sunscreen and lipscreen with at least SPF 15 and UVA and UVB protection and reapply according to the manufacturer’s directions. When you can, take your breaks and your lunch in the shade.

Q: If I stay in the shade, should I still use sunscreen and wear a hat? A: UV rays can reflect off virtually any surface (including sand, snow and concrete) and can reach you in the shade. Your best bet to protect your skin and lips is to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing when you’re outside — even when you’re in the shade.

[Skin Self-Exam] You can improve your chances of finding skin cancer promptly by performing a simple skin self-exam regularly.

The best time to do this self-exam is after a shower or bath. You should check your skin in a well-lighted room using a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror. It’s best to begin by learning where your birthmarks, moles, and blemishes are and what they usually look like. Check for anything new–a change in the size, texture, or color of a mole, or a sore that does not heal. Check all areas, including the back, the scalp, between the buttocks, and the genital area.

1. Look at the front and back of your body in the mirror, then raise your arms and look at the left and right sides.

2.Bend your elbows and look carefully at your palms; forearms, including the undersides; and the upper arms.

3. Examine the back and front of your legs. Also look between your buttocks and around your genital area.

4. Sit and closely examine your feet, including the soles and the spaces between the toes.

5. Look at your face, neck, and scalp. You may want to use a comb or a blow dryer to move hair so that you can see better.

By checking your skin regularly, you will become familiar with what is normal. If you find anything unusual, see your doctor right away. Remember, the earlier skin cancer is found, the better the chance for cure.

Thankfully, most skin cancers, about 95 percent, are not life threatening. Skin cancer falls into two broad areas: basal-cell cancer / sqamous-cell cancer, and melanoma. The two most common of these cancers are the basal-cell and sqamous-cell carcinomas. These typically are easily treated, usually with surgery, and rarely lead to death. If neglected, however, over time, these can eventually lead to disfigurement and/or can spread with dire consequences. Only about 5 percent of all skin cancers are malignant melanomas, but these are far more dangerous and account for almost all deaths due to skin cancer. This aggressive form of cancer needs to be addressed immediately. Like most cancers, the risk of malignant melanomas will increase with age. If you feel you have developed any type of skin cancer be sure to see a dermatologist at once.

Most skin cancers, as one might imagine, occur on the face, neck and hands as these are the areas that receive the most exposure to the sun due to the fact that most of us wear clothes. These are also the areas that are most exposed to the view of others. As the usual AMA’s (American Medical Association) approach to skin cancer is knife and needle, this can leave unsightly scars just where you might not want any.

But there are alternatives. Having had a number of non-melanoma skin cancers, I’ve had the opportunity to try both the AMA (have the scars to prove it) as well as several “alternative” approaches. The method of treatment that I’ve settled on is the herb Chaparral. Chaparral is a plant that grows in the deserts of the southwestern U.S. and has been used historically by the indigenous populations of the region for a number of ailments. Today, it can be found in powder form at most health food stores. A small bag is all one needs and only cost a few bucks.

I make a paste by mixing the powder with wheat germ oil (also found at your local health food store) and apply it directly to the lesion. Then I cover it with a Band-Aid. I do this once in the morning (after my shower) and again in the evening for six or seven days- carefully removing the old paste with a Q-tip. The advantages I have found are as follows: No pain. Perhaps a slight tingling at first. As chaparral only targets the cancerous cells, without affecting the surrounding normal tissue, my skin can quickly begin to repair itself naturally after the cancer is gone leaving usually just a “new skin” pink spot for several months. And all this at a fraction of the cost of a surgical procedure.

If this all seems a bit strange to you, please understand that this is nothing new. There are a number of books that have been written that offer other non-evasive, less painful methods of treating basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers as well. I would recommend the book, The Skin Cancer Answer: The Natural Treatment for Basal and Sqamos-Cell Carcinomas and Keratoses. This book is priced right, easy to read and provides you with what many might feel is a better method of treatment. But check around- and see what work best for you, knowing that many others have taken the non-AMA approach. In any event, use a dermatologist to diagnose what type of skin condition you might have, discuss it with him, but know that there may be cost effective, alternatives to the knife and needle.

Statistics surrounding skin cancer are astounding. More than one million new cases are diagnosed each year, more than all other cancers combined. This means that one in five people will have skin cancer in their lifetime. Despite this high number, Americans understand very little about how to prevent skin cancer, and actually take preventative measures even less. Understanding the types, cause, risks, and prevention of skin cancer is the best way to combat this potentially deadly disease.

The two most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma which are usually curable. The third type, melanoma, is much more dangerous and one of the most common cancers in young adults.

Ninety percent of skin cancer is caused by the sun’s rays, with UVA rays affecting the genetics of the skin and UVB rays altering the outside layers. Sun exposure in childhood can dramatically increase a person’s chance of getting skin cancer. One blistering sunburn in childhood can as much as double the risk of melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer, later in life. Childhood is also the part of life which holds the greatest sun exposure for most people. Most parents protect their children from the sun during the summer, or on a trip to the beach, but for children especially, every day is an opportunity to experience the damaging rays of the sun. It is important to protect against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays year round.

Risks of skin cancer increase in certain ethnic and age groups. Those with fair skin, blue or green eyes, light colored hair are more susceptible to skin cancer. As are those who burn or freckle easily. However, even those with dark skin can get melanoma and in those rarer cases, it proves to be more deadly. Age also affects a person’s risk of skin cancer. In white men over 50, melanoma is the most common kind of cancer, even more common than cancer of the prostate, colon, or lung.

Prevention of skin cancer seems pretty straightforward to most people. Stay out of the sun, and when you can’t, wear protective clothing and sunblock. It’s not quite that easy. To be effective, sunblock should be above SPF (sun protection factor) 15 and should be reapplied liberally at least every 2 hours. All sunblocks are not created equal. Look for sunblock that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and apply it 15 minutes before heading outside. Even with good sunblock applied well, UV rays can still reach the skin. This is why experts recommend staying out of the sun during the most dangerous, midday rays. Also, cover up with a wide brimmed hat, tightly woven clothing, and sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes. Try to avoid UV rays outside and inside, including tanning beds.

Although skin cancer is incredibly common, understanding the types, causes, risks, and especially prevention can help you and your family avoid this dangerous disease that affects one in five people. Be Sun Smart!