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
Q&A: Breast Cancer Specialist Answers Mammograms and Self Breast Exams Questions
According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for women. However, when found in its earliest stages, breast cancer can be stopped from spreading, is more treatable and nearly 100% curable. Screening is the best way to find breast cancer early. Let’s talk about mammograms as well as the right way to perform a self breast exam.
Mammograms
When should I start getting mammograms?
Unless you have a new breast problem or need to start screenings earlier because of risk, most guidelines recommend starting screening mammography at age 40.
How often should I get a mammogram?
Guidelines differ somewhat but are consistent that if you are of average risk, you should have them at least every other year. If you are at increased risk, including having dense breast tissue or a family history of breast cancer, it is recommended that you get an annual mammography screening and possibly enhanced screenings with MRI, ultrasound or contrast enhanced mammography.
Is getting a mammogram dangerous to my health?
While there is a small radiation exposure with every mammogram, the benefit of early detection of small, curable cancers almost always outweighs that risk of exposure.
Does it hurt to get a mammogram?
Some women do find mammograms uncomfortable. This is more common when having imaging just before your menstrual period when breast tissue can be swollen and more sensitive. If you do have extra sensitivity, scheduling the exam after your cycle starts or taking an over-the-counter NSAID pain reliever* a few hours before the exam may minimize the discomfort. Because positioning of the breast and taking each mammogram image is typically less than 30 seconds, the extent of discomfort during the exam is short-lived.
*NSAIDs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen sodium (Aleve) and aspirin.
Breast self-exam options
Any pattern for feeling all of your breast tissue is acceptable. The goal is to make sure you are feeling with varying pressure from your collar bone to cleavage, to the bottom of the breast out to past where your breast meets your chest wall, including your armpit.
How often should I do a breast self-exam?
Self-exams should not be done too often because it can make it difficult to tell if a lump is evolving over time. Think of how hard it is to tell if your appearance changes gradually as you get older because you see yourself every day, compared to more easily seeing changes in someone’s appearance after not seeing them for a long time. Typically, once a month is enough.
Is there a best time to do a breast self-exam?
It is important to do your breast self-exam in approximately the same time in your cycle rather than a specific interval—especially since not all menstrual cycles are exactly 28 days apart. Doing the exam at the same place in your cycle will give you consistency in how the tissue should feel in terms of lumpiness, texture and density.
I encourage my patients to do their exam the day after their cycle starts as a consistent point in their hormonal cycle fluctuations.
What am I actually looking for during a breast self-exam?
Your breast self-exam should be a tool to familiarize yourself with the general “normal texture” of the tissue in each of your breasts so if you detect something that is different, you will be able to identify it as new or changed.
Can a breast self-exam replace a mammogram?
Self-breast exams cannot replace mammograms because mammograms can detect subtle changes like densities or calcifications that are too small to feel. The goal with screening mammograms is to detect breast cancer before you can feel it because early detection leads to better overall outcomes.
Learn more about breast cancer screening and treatment at Wellstar.
PeopleCare
Wellstar PeopleCare | Reaching New Heights After Head & Neck Cancer
David Butler's cancer journey took him through a rare jaw reconstruction, multiple rounds of radiation treatment, chemotherapy, intense rehabilitation and coordinated care from specialists across Wellstar.
From survival to summit
After David did the hard work of fighting cancer twice and feeling like recovery was truly sailing along, he set a new goal. David and one of his daughters, Madeline Hawkins, completed a hiking and camping trip that included summiting Blood Mountain in North Georgia. They covered 14 miles, camping overnight and making friends along the trail.
The hike wasn't easy.
“I forgot you have to be half mountain goat!” he quipped.
David moved at his own pace and pushed through lingering fatigue. Reaching the summit’s stunning vista at Preacher’s Rock was a reminder of how far he had come since his cancer diagnosis.
PeopleCare
Wellstar PeopleCare | Beating Cancer Twice with Coordinated Care
David Butler’s cancer journey began when he underwent treatment for an aggressive head and neck cancer. Supported by his family, faith and a team of head and neck cancer specialists, he had part of his jaw removed and went through radiation therapy and intense rehabilitation.
A major setback
The same year of his jaw surgery and initial radiation course, David’s recovery was beginning to feel like “smooth sailing.” Just as life started to feel manageable again, he faced an unexpected challenge.
David and his wife, Jill, got devastating news: routine follow-up imaging revealed three new tumors on the other side of his neck and tongue. Dr. Fiyin Sokoya, David’s cancer surgeon, removed lymph nodes from David’s neck, had them biopsied and confirmed that it was an aggressive cancer.
At first, David felt so discouraged that he didn’t want to move forward with treatment.
However, seeing that a group of experts were working together to give him the best, evidence-based treatment path for his unique circumstance gave him confidence to renew his fight against cancer.