Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2013 | Page 87

FASHION HEALTH & BEAUTY

Skin cancer: protect
from harmful rays
During the recent hot weather, many
Islanders headed for their nearest
beach to catch the sun, and maybe
make up for lost time after last
summer’s miserable conditions.
But throughout the summer it is
vitally important to protect yourself
against the sun’s harmful rays that
could ultimately lead to skin cancer.
Island Life has prepared the
following cautionary guidelines to try
to ensure you stay safe in the sun, but
if you are in doubt then don’t hesitate
to get checked.
Where can skin cancer start?
Skin cancer often affects areas that
catch the most sun such as
the head, neck, shoulders or
arms. The most common areas
for melanoma are the leg in
women, and the chest and back
in men. But melanoma can
grow anywhere, even in places
which are rarely exposed to
sunlight.
Does skin cancer spread?
Melanoma and some other
skin cancers can spread to
other parts of the body if left
untreated. Some skin cancers
spread more quickly than
others. It is essential to see your
doctor as soon as you notice
any changes. If it is skin cancer,
getting it diagnosed and treated
early can make a real difference.
What will happen at the
doctor’s surgery?
If your doctor has any concerns
you will be referred to a hospital
specialist. They will examine
your skin. If your specialist
thinks you might have skin

cancer they will remove the abnormal
area in a simple operation under local
anaesthetic. They then look at the
cells under a microscope. If it is skin
cancer, you may need more treatment
and will be invited to attend regular
check-ups.
Who is most at risk?
Anyone can develop skin cancer, but
some people are more likely to than
others. People with fair skin, red or
fair hair, lots of moles or freckles,
light-coloured eyes, a personal or
family history of skin cancer and/or a
history of sunburn are most at risk of
melanoma.

What are the signs of skin cancer?
You may have some moles or dark
patches on your skin that are flat
or slightly raised. Usually these will
remain harmless all your life. Show
your doctor any new moles, or any
moles, freckles or patches of normal
skin that change in size, shape or
colour over weeks or months.

The ABCD rule can help you remember some of
the changes to look out f