Cancer and Healthy

How to Self Examine

If you like to sun bathe and you realize you are an addict then it's wise to do a self examination of your body. Look, monthly exams are fair enough. Check for new growths or skin change. You can use a mirror to take a peek at your backside and a fan or blow dryer to check the scalp. LOOK EVERYWHERE if you know what I mean

HOLY MOLEY! Got a mole then check that too! Sometimes the mole will start to become discolored or split. Get a biopsy on that sucker it could be cancer. Moles are usually round but if you see one that is asymmetrical that that could be a good indicator that you spend too much time tanning. Moles also tend to be a little more round and smooth and even colored, so if you find a winner with shades of brown, tan or black then you have found the first indicator of -ta-dah- Skin Cancer! Moles also get larger with cancer so if you have a super wide mole then you found another indicator. Get out of the sun, use SPF sun blockers or get cancer. It's up to you.

So what types of skin cancer are out there? Well there is Basal Cell Carcinoma (I think I wrote it right - Gotta love spell checker!) BCC is the most common. Its slow growing doesn't spread and appears as small round or oval patches. Colors can vary from white or gray consistent shades. Pink red or scaly too.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma or SCC is the #2 most common form of skin cancer. SCC is a fast mover and spreads moderately. It's small, round elevated red & Crusty. (Eeew)

Malignant Melanoma is the extreme bad boy of skin cancer from sun burns or tanning. Get this treated or your dead meat...Guess what? UV rays also cause cataracts, premature aging, and even damage to your immune system!

Top Ten Skin Protection Tips Guard your body!

1. If possible avoid hanging out in the sun between 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon. This tends to be the peak time for UV radiation.
2. Wear sunscreen people, It's not going to kill you to apply the stuff. If you're that lazy you can go to Wally mart and get the spray.
3. Wear hats, long sleeved shirts, and of course your awesome Shades.
4. Drink water; Keep yourself hydrated while playing in the sun. You don't want to get dehydration and get super sick.
5. Are you bald or have thinning hair. Get yourself a hat to cover that sensitive skin called your scalp. (I know you were already aware)
6. Keep sunscreen available. Stash some in the car, purse and around the pool.
7. Do your self exam monthly if you hang in the sun for a long time. Do you mow lawns in the summer, or have a green thumb? Guess what even though your intentions aren't to sun tan you still need to guard your skin.
8. Use sunless tanning lotion if you really have to be super popular and have the world worship you.
9. Teach your kids about how UV and the sun can be harmful. Preventive maintenance people preventive maintenance.