Kevin Jonas shared an excerpt from his skin cancer diagnosis journey on his Instagram profile a day ago. The American musician and actor shared the video in which he talked about the surgery to remove basal-cell carcinoma from a corner of his forehead. Carcinoma is a type of cancer that develops in epithelial tissue. “A friendly reminder to get your moles checked,” Kevin wrote in the caption. This has drawn our attention to skin cancer, and how we can prevent it. “The early symptoms of skin cancer may vary according to the type, but there are some common indicators to look out for. New growths in the skin, persistent lesions that do not heal, or changes in existing moles are worth looking out for. Asymmetry, where one half of the mole does not match the other, and irregularities at the edges, where the edges are jagged, raised or blurred, are serious warning signs. Also, colour variation, where the moles have multiple or uneven colours, and a diameter larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser) or a spot that is growing, are worrisome. A doctor should be consulted if there is any change in size, shape, colour or symptoms such as itching, tenderness or bleeding,” said Dr Aashay Karpe, director and founder of Sunrise Oncology Centre, in an interview with HT Lifestyle.
Also Read: How to identify skin cancer: Symptoms, treatment and prevention
Early symptoms of skin cancer:
Dr. Kandra Prashanth Reddy, Radiation Oncologist at the American Oncology Institute, Hyderabad, talks about the early symptoms of skin cancer that we should be aware of.
new growth or lesionsBe alert to any new growths, warts, or lesions on the skin.
Changes to existing moles: One half of the mole does not match the other or the borders of the mole become irregular, scalloped or poorly defined. There may be variations in colour which can include brown, black or pink, red, white or blue spots. Moles may also sometimes be accompanied by itching or bleeding.
Unusual sensationsPersistent itching, tenderness, or pain in a specific area could be a sign of skin cancer.
Changes in textureMoles or spots that become rough, scaly, or start forming scabs should be examined.
Also read: What is melanoma? Fortnite star Ninja diagnosed with a very rare type of skin cancer
Precautionary measures against skin cancer:
Dr. Kandra Prashanth Reddy further explains what precautions we can take to avoid skin cancer:
Sun protection: Using a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and wearing protective clothing can help avoid direct sunlight. We should avoid tanning beds as they emit UV radiation that can increase the risk of skin cancer.
Routine skin testingWe should examine ourselves every month to check for any new or changing lesions. It is also important to have a skin examination by a dermatologist every year, especially if we have a history of skin cancer or other risk factors.
healthy lifestyleIt is important to have a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E. We should drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid tobacco use.
