May is observed as Skin Cancer Awareness month, and believe it or not, skin cancer is actually the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide!

Luckily, in many cases, early detection and removal of the abnormal growth in an office setting is all that is required to achieve a cure. In a few cases however, whether because of late detection or the type of skin cancer, extensive surgery and even chemotherapy may be required. And whilst most skin cancers do not metastasize or spread to distant areas in the body, melanomas do! This makes quick diagnosis and management essential.

Routine skin surveillance by a dermatologist who is trained in dermoscopy is recommended for most persons but it is especially true if you have risk factors for skin cancer such as a history of sunburns, a lifestyle where you are repeatedly in a sunny environment, a light complexion that rarely tans but instead gets red on sun exposure and a personal or family history of skin cancer. However, it’s not good enough to go into your doctor every year to get your moles checked.

You must also be familiar with what to look for in case something presentson your skin that you need to get checked before your next scheduled visit.

So, what should you look for?

•Your mole is changing

Any sudden change in a mole should not be ignored. In particular, a quickly evolving mole where obvious changes are seen in symmetry, color or size must be checked by a doctor. Other changes such as bleeding, crusting or itching to a mole must never be ignored.

•An ‘ugly duckling’ mole

Many persons have numerous moles all over the body.

But pay attention to a mole that doesn’t look like any of the others, or is the lone mole on an otherwise spot-free area. This may need to be biopsied as having a mole that is obviously different from the pattern on the rest of the body, is a reason for concern.

•You have a ‘pimple’ that won’t go away

Some skin cancers, like basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer can look like a bump. Unlike a regular bump, no pus or cheesy material will come out of it when you squeeze it and it may actually have an indented area. A central crust or sore that will not heal is also a tell-tale sign.

•You experience changes to an area after having a mole removed

If you’ve had a mole removed and you start seeing pigmentation or a bump or lump that’s extending outside the scar, this is extremely concerning. Even if you were told that the original mole was not a cancer, visit your doctor for a review as this may signal a recurrence of a skin cancer that was not previously diagnosed.

•You notice a mole on your palm or sole

Many people have moles on their soles or palms, but they should be checked, especially if the mole is new or changing. Also, when melanomas do occur in dark skinned individuals they are more likely to arise in these areas.

•There’s a dark streak on your nail

Melanomas can occur in the nail. Most often it is seen as a streak involving the entire length of the nail or may be limited to the base of the nail and cuticle. This is why it is important to remove your nail polish when you see your doctor for a skin check especially if you noticed an abnormality to the nail before coming in.

The number one modifiable risk factor for developing skin cancer is sun exposure. Wear sunscreen religiously with a SPF 30 or above. Reapply every 2 hours when in the sun and wear water proof varieties when swimming.

Whenever possible, avoid the sun in the midday hours between 10 am and 3pm and partner with your doctor by being aware of any changes in your skin and having your skin examined at intervals.

* Dr. Marsha Barnett practises as a general practitioner and a medical and aesthetic dermatologist. She is located at GRACE BAY MEDICAL CENTER in Providenciales and can be contacted at: (649)941-5252, or by emailing drbarnett@gracebaymedical.com