THE OLAY "SIGNS OF SKIN CANCER" COMMERCIAL

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Signs of Skin Cancer

The most common signs of skin cancer are a sore that will not heal, a change in an existing skin growth and of course, any new growth on the skin. If you have any of these symptoms, remember that most moles and other growths are quite harmless, but you should go to a doctor and get any changes checked out.

Our bodies have many skin growths that are non cancerous or "benign". Of course, moles are one of these. There are moles that you are born with, or "congenital nevi,” and acquired moles, usually developing in early adolescence. These will darken and grow in the teenage years. It is not uncommon for adults to have over 50 acquired moles. Sometimes, if a mole is irritated by clothing or friction, a doctor will remove it.

As we age, flat light brown spots occur on the neck, hands, face and forearms that are commonly called liver spots. The true name for these is "solar lentigines," and they are a direct result from over exposure to sun and aging. Also due to aging, harmless wart- like brown growths called Seborrheic Keratoses can occur. This should not be confused with Actinic Keratoses, which are slightly scaly, reddish patched pre-cancerous growths that form on people with sun-damaged skin. Doctors will recommend removal of these, as they are pre-cancerous.

So, although most skin growths are not cancerous, it is imperative to go to a doctor about any changes in old growths and any new growths. When growths are cancerous, they usually change size or color, and often are sores that will not heal. Self examination is a good way to make sure that your skin growths have not changed, and self examinations are very important, not only for people who have had skin cancer as it can detect new cancers and recurrences of cancer at the early (curable) stager, but also for people who are at risk. This includes anyone over 40 with over 50 moles, atypical moles or people with fair skin and in the sun a great deal.

 Remember, with early detection, skin cancer is not only treatable, but also curable. I recently read an excellent ebook. "How I Survived Melanoma Skin Cancer - seven survivors tell their stories" It is written from the vantage point of 7 people diagnosed with Skin Cancer. I was impressed most not with the clinical information that you find on most websites, but with the emotional and mental attitude of these survivors. They share their stories on how they keep positive even at the lowest moments. It really is a good read. I read things that I hadn’t found anywhere else. A recommended read for dark nights.