Skin cancer rates are rising across the region. Thankfully, many cases of the disease are curable if they are caught early. Knowing the early signs and symptoms of skin cancer is key to effective treatment.
Lots of us know that a change in a mole’s appearance could be a cancer red flag. But there are many other early warning signs that we need to be aware of.
- A Change in an Existing Mole Thanks to the ABCDE rule, many people are now aware that changes in the way a mole looks could be a sign of cancer. Cancerous moles can look like any other, but often have one or more of the above distinguishing features. Check your moles regularly – this includes new and existing moles – and always see a doctor if you notice anything different.
- Itching Skin If you have a patch of skin, including any moles or lesions, that itches persistently, always get it checked out. If the patch is oozing or bleeding, or begins to look different, don’t delay.
- Scaly or Flaky Patches Sometimes, skin cancer can appear as a scaly or flaky patch on the skin. It may feel rough to touch, even after cream is applied, and could be a different color to the rest of your skin. Some more common skin conditions can cause rough, flaky patches, such as actinic keratosis. This is also the result of sun damage to the skin, but it can sometimes turn into skin cancer. If you experience any prolonged areas of scaly skin, always see your doctor.
- Sores That Won’t Heal Many things can cause spots or sores to appear on the skin, including ulcers and blemishes. But skin cancer can sometimes begin as a red or pink spot that doesn’t go away. If you notice a sore that isn’t disappearing, always get it seen to.
- Changes in your fingernails and toenails Skin cancer can develop underneath your fingernails and toenails. Check for dark spots or streaks and any discoloration that appears under the nails. This can be a sign of a fungal infection, but either way, should be seen by a doctor.
- Vision Problems
- Asymmetry: If the mole isn’t symmetrical.
- Border: If the mole’s border is blurred, fuzzy or not well defined.
- Color: If the mole consists of different shades of brown, or black, white, red, blue, or gray.
- Diameter: If the mole is larger than 6mm.
- Evolution: If the mole has changed and evolved over time.
As well as on the skin and under the nails, melanomas can develop in the eye. Ocular melanoma is the most common type of eye cancer and can cause blurry vision, floaters in your line of vision, or dark or discolored spots. This type of cancer often doesn’t show symptoms until a later stage, so regular eye examinations are important.
Knowing the Signs is Key
Understanding the early signs of skin cancer is important, as it can lead to an early diagnosis when the disease is much easier to treat. If you notice any of the 6 signs listed above, always see your doctor.