When people plan outside activities or a trip to the tanning salon, skin cancer may be the last thing on their minds. However, prolonged or intense exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays — either from the sun or tanning beds — is harmful to your skin.
Skin cancer can be sneaky when it starts. The disease often begins as just a mole and, if left untreated, can develop into a bigger skin problem. Melanoma, a dangerous type of skin cancer, is a growing concern for many health experts.
“Of all skin cancers, melanoma is the most serious and it is becoming increasingly more common worldwide,” said Dr. Dean Kirkel, oncologist with Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers. “The disease can spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body, and even be potentially fatal.”
Since hiding away from the sun isn’t an option, you can make better choices for your skin health, such as wearing sunscreen, skipping the tanning bed and avoiding sunburns.
In addition to protecting your skin, you can take charge of your health with simple steps to catch skin cancer earlier.
Spotting Skin Cancer Early
Published on May 21, 2021
Last updated 12:11 PM May 21, 2021
Studies show that patients who are evaluated by a skin professional tend to have cancers that are detected at an earlier stage of development.
- Dr. Dean Kirkel
Oncologist
Watch for signs of skin cancer
Unlike other forms of cancers, skin cancer can be seen by the naked eye. All you need is a mirror to start a self-exam and check for the major warning signs.
“Self-exams are important to identify dark skin lesions that appear different from freckles or other spots,” Dr. Kirkel said. “The ABCDE criteria can help identify potentially cancerous skin lesions.”
Follow the ABCDE method below to spot skin changes, such as moles that may look different or even spots you never noticed before.
- Asymmetry – Both halves of a mole should be similar.
- Border – Moles should have regular borders. Irregular borders are common in melanomas.
- Color – An existing mole that changes color should be checked out.
- Diameter – Look for any new growth in a mole larger than an inch.
- Evolving – Watch for changes in a mole over time. A mole that itches or one that hardens should be brought to the attention of your Wellstar physician.
Comprehensive care for skin cancer
While self-exams may be a critical step in looking out for skin cancer, you can’t stop there. It’s important to bring noticeable skin changes to your doctor’s attention right away.
“Studies show that patients who are evaluated by a skin professional tend to have cancers that are detected at an earlier stage of development,” Dr. Kirkel advised.
When caught early, skin cancer is often treated effectively or even eliminated entirely. That’s how many patients like Frank Ryan recover from melanoma and return to their lives.
At Wellstar, we diagnose skin cancer with state-of-the-art technology, such as ultrasound and MRI imaging. Our specialized team will create a personalized care plan for you, whether that includes surgery, radiation therapy or other treatments.
Book an appointment with your Wellstar primary care physician to identify and discuss changes in your skin. Your provider can refer you to a specialist for further examination and treatment, so you can get the expert care you need.
Related Articles
Highlights
Prostate Cancer Screening in Black Men
Screening for prostate cancer is crucial for early detection and to help provide the best possible outcome. It is especially important for Black men to be vigilant about screening, as they are disproportionately impacted by this cancer.
About 1 in 6 Black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, compared to 1 in 8 white men, according to a report from the American Cancer Society. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Black men.
The American Cancer Society recommends that men at an average risk of developing prostate cancer begin screening when they are 50, but Black men should start earlier—at age 45 if they have no family history of prostate cancer, and at age 40 if any of their male relatives have had prostate cancer. Wellstar takes a personalized approach to cancer screenings, with clinicians discussing benefits versus risks of screening and helping patients evaluate their risk.
“Despite many physicians being aware of this and following this practice, Black men continue to be diagnosed with and die from metastatic prostate cancer. This is a trend that desperately needs to be reversed,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Earl Stewart. “We have adequate screening tools that do not even require a digital rectal examination.”
The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test is more accurate than the digital rectal examination in helping to detect prostate cancer, according to Dr. Stewart. Patients should also discuss family history with their relatives. “Patients knowing their family history is so crucial in having those discussions with primary care physicians to determine the best age at which to start screening,” Dr. Stewart said.
Screening for prostate cancer is as simple as making a preventive appointment with your primary care physician, discussing your family history with him or her, and having a PSA blood test. This test may be performed during an annual physical or wellness visit. Shared decision making between physician and patient is important to discuss your risk, your need for testing and next steps to take if your PSA level is elevated and concerning. Knowing your risk can save your life.
“I know many personally who are near and dear to me who had the disease and who unfortunately died from complications of metastatic prostate cancer,” Dr. Stewart said. “I know many more who lived because they had the conversation and dared to move forward with appropriate screening at the appropriate age.”
Highlights
4 Common Questions About Gynecologic Cancer—Answered
The gynecologic oncologists at Wellstar care for women at all stages of life, treating a variety of conditions with compassion and offering advanced care options. Our team are experts in treating cancers such as uterine, ovarian, cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers. Here, we answer common questions about gynecologic cancer care with the help of Dr. Rosa Miller Polan, a gynecologic oncologist at Wellstar Cobb Medical Center.
What is a gynecologic oncologist?
Gynecologic oncologists are specialists trained in the multidisciplinary management of patients with cancers of the female reproductive tract. Trained originally in obstetrics and gynecology, gynecologic oncologists treat patients with complex benign gynecologic issues, as well as gynecologic cancer patients who may need surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or a combination of different treatments.
When should you seek care?
Gynecologic cancers have different warning signs. When a person experiences concerning symptoms, a physical exam, including a pelvic exam, should be performed. Cervical and vaginal cancer symptoms include abnormal vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding and pain. The most common warning sign for uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. In postmenopausal women, any bleeding or spotting is abnormal and should prompt an evaluation.
Ovarian or fallopian tube cancer symptoms include bloating, constipation, pelvic or abdominal pain and difficulty eating or feeling full quickly. Vulvar cancer symptoms include itching, burning, discoloration, and new bumps or lumps on the skin outside of the vagina.
Who is at risk for developing gynecologic cancer?
Women who smoke cigarettes are at elevated risk for cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancer development. People who are immunosuppressed and those who have tested positive for the human papillomavirus (HPV) are also at increased risk. Genetics can contribute to the development of uterine, ovarian or fallopian tube cancers and these types of cancers can run in families. Obesity and use of hormone replacement therapy can put women at risk for the development of uterine, ovarian and fallopian tube cancers. A history of infertility, endometriosis and pelvic radiation are also risk factors for developing gynecologic cancer.
What services are available at Wellstar?
At Wellstar, gynecologic oncologists provide comprehensive care for patients with gynecologic cancers, including administering chemotherapy and performing surgeries when needed. As high-volume pelvic surgeons, gynecologic oncologists also care for patients who need elective and emergent complex benign gynecologic surgery.
For many patients, robotic-assisted surgery offers a minimally invasive approach with less associated blood loss, shorter hospital stays and fewer post-operative complications. Gynecologic oncologists are some of the top users of the innovative DaVinci 5 robotic surgery platform. Performing complex gynecologic cancer surgeries, minimally invasive or otherwise, requires the type of highly specialized and multidisciplinary teams that work at Wellstar—and an infrastructure of resources to ensure patients have access to best-in-class care in their own backyard.
Learn more about gynecologic oncology at Wellstar at wellstar.org/gyncancer.
Newsroom
Wellstar Cobb Cancer Center Expands Treatment Services
Cancer care in forward motion
Wellstar Cobb Cancer Center recently installed its second TrueBeam linear accelerator, which treats various cancers, including brain, head and neck, prostate, breast, lung, skin and gastrointestinal tumors. With the linear accelerator, clinicians can adjust the size and shape of beams to a tumor’s shape and spare healthy tissue. With the second linear accelerator, Wellstar Cobb can offer patients more flexible and convenient scheduling. “An additional linear accelerator can lead to timely treatment starts and shorter wait times,” said Dr. Nasarachi Onyeuku, a radiation oncologist at Wellstar. “It expands our ability to treat more patients with cutting-edge care, continuing our commitment to bringing world-class cancer treatment closer to home.” In addition to state-of-the-art external beam radiotherapy, TrueBeam delivers precise, high-dose stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) targeting tumors in the body. It also provides stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain or spine cancer treatment. Patients will typically receive one to five treatments.Patient-centered care at Wellstar Cobb
Wellstar Cobb Cancer Center recently renovated its treatment areas, front desk and waiting room, making it more welcoming and comforting for patients and their families. Within the treatment areas, the suite where patients receive high-dose radiation brachytherapy, a targeted treatment that involves placing radioactive material directly into tumors or near them, also underwent renovations. “The beautifully designed space enhances patient comfort, offering a calm, supportive environment,” Dr. Onyeuku said. “We’re currently treating breast, cervical, uterine and skin cancers, with plans to expand to other cancer types. It’s advanced, efficient care—delivered close to home and with compassion.”Early detection and support services
Cancer care begins with prevention and early detection. Wellstar Cobb is home to a lung cancer STAT Clinic, where specialists collaborate to diagnose and begin treatment within as little as 14 days. According to research by the Cleveland Clinic, patients can spend up to eight weeks on average visiting different specialists before starting a treatment plan. Earlier treatment can lead to the best possible outcomes. Patients at Wellstar Cobb receive support at every stage of their treatment. These services include:- Emotional support from a social worker
- Lymphedema therapy for patients with excess fluid and swelling
- Meal planning with a dietitian
- Monthly support group
- Pain management
- Physical therapy
- Transportation assistance