You might not realize it yet, but exposing yourself unprotected to the sun can lead to different types of skin cancer. That stubborn itch or redness can be something more than just an irritation. It's important that you arm yourself with the right knowledge, so you won't have any regrets later on.

If you live in a tropical country, you have a greater chance of getting different types of skin cancer. Of course, this doesn't automatically mean that countries located away from the equator are exempted. As long as you have skin and are exposed to the sun, it's better to learn as much as you can.

1) Basal Cell Carcinoma

Among the different types of skin cancer, Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common. It starts from the basal layer of the skin-the deepest layer of your epidermis. You can just imagine how deep the sun's UV rays can reach your skin!

While normally not dangerous, Basal Cell Carcinoma can take different forms. Sometimes, it can even be confused with psoriasis. This type of skin cancer normally occurs in sun-exposed parts of the body like the face and neck.

2) Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It is usually found on sun-exposed parts of the body.

Compared to Basal Cell Carcinoma, this type has a higher risk of metastasis-the spread of a disease from one part of the body to another. Symptoms include ulcer, a reddish plaque and even cyclical bleeding from the tumor (usually on the lip). Squamous Cell Carcinoma can also lead to head and neck cancer.

3) Melanoma

Children, males and Caucasians have a higher risk of getting Melanoma. While considered one of the rare types of skin cancer, this accounts for 75% of skin cancer related deaths. Symptoms include moles that grow to 6mm, melanomas (usually black but can be multi-colored), asymmetrical skin lesion and irregular border of lesion.

These are the three different types of skin cancer. They are usually caused by overexposure to the sun or UV rays. If you are fair-skinned or are exposed to the sun for most of the day, don't forget to slather on some sun block before leaving the house.




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If you have a skin mole on your arm or leg or body now or maybe you have a few of them or even many of them you may be wondering what does a cancerous mole look like. And is it melanoma? I'll show you how to tell if that mole on your arm, leg or body is cancerous.

Of course anyone who has a mole may be worried that they have a cancerous mole. That they have malignant melanoma or a skin cancer, but many people go through a lifetime with dozens of moles and do not get malignant melanoma. Never-the-less one always wonders but there is a good way to evaluate and decide for yourself whether you should have a doctor take a look at your mole or moles right now. Of course if you're in the doctor's office for anything else you can always have them take a look at your moles.

For many years doctors have always preached the rule of ABCD. A mole could be melanoma if it's A for asymmetrical (uneven), B for the borders are irregular (not smooth), C for variation in color, and D for the diameter - which would have to be larger than the eraser on a pencil. But a couple of years ago or so the doctors who invented the ABCD rule decided to add a third letter- E. The E stands for evolving; the evolving means the mole is changing over a period of time. The cancerous mole or skin cancer can change in size, shape and color. And new symptoms of bleeding and itching can develop.

Any changing mole or lesion should be a cause for concern and should be checked out right away. Most moles do not change their size shape, color and symmetry. You would be able to tell there is something different going on.

In tests the doctor inventors of the ABCDE rule discovered that people with melanoma had as many as 70% of their lesions evolving. So if you have a changing mole you need to get checked out now. You are the one that is going to notice your mole changing or skin cancer first. If you have any of the signs of A, B, C and D and it in not evolving you still need to get your moles checked out for there is a good possibility it's melanoma.

An evolving mole is a big concern. So see your doctor if you have any of these signs of skin cancer or cancerous moles. If you catch melanoma early you will be able to treat it effectively. Don't wait. It can sneak up on you. Melanoma is systemic; it is not confined to the area on your skin. Your immune system and body will be involved. Your doctor will decide on whether to remove the mole or not. It doesn't hurt to do all the research you can so you'll know exactly what to look for and know what questions to ask your doctor when you do go in.




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Skin cancer of the legs, ankles, and feet are some of the most overlooked cancers.

They are found in locations where most people consider skin cancers unlikely. Over 90% of skin cancers appear on sun-exposed skin, usually found on the face, neck, ears, forearms, and hands, but an alarming number are also found in the legs, ankles, and feet.

Why does sun cause skin cancer? Overexposure to sunlight damages the top layer, or epidermis of the skin. The most dangerous skin cancer is called melanoma, meaning a tumor of pigment producing cells. Melanomas can spread early to the lungs, liver, and brain making it a rapidly fatal cancer. It is expected that something over 8,500 people will die from skin cancers this year! Most melanomas can be cured with early diagnosis and treatment.

Squamous Cell Carcinomas occur commonly on the forehead, lips, and hands but they can be found on the arms hands, legs, and feet. These cancers can spread and early diagnosis and treatment is critical.

Basal Cell Carcinomas rarely spread to distant structures, but, if untreated, can destroy large portions of the face, scalp, nose, ears, and vast areas of skin. They can result in gross disfigurement if not treated early. Fair-skinned people are at greater risk for these cancers.

My heartfelt advice:

1. Please, have your moles and skin lesions checked. To put off doing so could be fatal. Ask your primary care physician or dermatologist to do a yearly skin check, all over. Don't be modest about this. Your life could be at stake. I routinely check patients for suspicious moles and lesions on their legs, ankles, and feet. You need at least a yearly check-up with your podiatrist.

2. Use sun blocks to protect exposed skin, even in winter and don't forget your legs and feet if they will be exposed!

3. Learn the ABCDs of skin cancer:

Asymmetry - The sides don't match.

Border - It looks uneven or ragged.

Color - It has more than one color. These colors may have an uneven distribution.

Diameter - They appear wider than a pencil eraser. Also, look for ulceration, craters, donut-shaped edges, bleeding, or slow healing if the lesion is ulcerated. Any mole on the toes or the bottom of the foot is suspicious. If you notice a mole on a friend or family member that meets any of these criteria, gently encourage them to get it checked "to be safe".



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Your mother is right, you must protect your skin from the strong rays of the sun, especially while you are young. Now, how did she gain that knowledge? Perhaps through a painful lesson, perhaps the health news on TV or in magazines. Trust her - most skin damage due to ultraviolet radiation occurs before age 20. Fair skinned people who tend to freckle, go red, or burn in the sun are at higher risk than black or brown skinned people. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the leading cause of most skin cancer.

It is never too soon, or too late to begin protecting your face and neck daily with a moisturizer which contains sunscreen - you will be covering two important facets of skin care with one product.

Most cosmetic companies offer a moisturizing product which contains SPF 15 or more. The 'Sun Protection Factor' is very important even if you do not "plan" to be sunbathing. Merely being outside for a 15 minute walk could cause damage to unprotected, delicate skin. Getting in the habit of caring for your skin is very important in the prevention of skin cancer.

Babies and children are at high risk of sunburn on their delicate, new skin. Special childcare sunblock cream, lotion and spray-on's are readily available and should be on hand in every household, and applied as frequently as the directions suggest. Children may be in and out of the house dozens of times per day so an application of sunscreen is absolutely necessary - even on overcast days.

If you feel you "must" sunbathe, in spite of the risks, start slowly - don't roast your skin the first day in the sun. Take on your healthy seeming glow in degrees, thus decreasing the serious harm a severe sunburn causes. Tanning is the melanin in your skin darkening to protect it from the sun's rays. In fact tanning is a sign you are injuring your skin. Protect the most sensitive skin areas; face, neck, shoulders, hands and arms with shade providing hats, and beach umbrellas. Areas of skin which have been badly burned have an increased risk of developing skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma). More bad news - regular use of sunlamps and sunbeds increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Self-tanning products are the only 'safe' way to obtain a sun kissed glow.

Many clothing companies are introducing sun blocking light weight fabrics in their sun and swim apparel and these are simple solutions to implement for all children and at-risk adults. The new fabrics offer quick drying, comfortable, lightweight protection in stylish hats, shirts, pants, coverups and aquasuits.



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