Lisa's Battle Against Skin Cancer On The Face: What Early Warning Signs to Observe?

With climate change on a rampage, do you concern yourself with skin cancer? Are you aware that we are more prone to developing skin cancer, especially on the face, because of the current weather conditions? If so, do you know what to observe of the early warning signs of skin cancer? Lucky if you do, but this one person did not know or did not care until there were changes on his appearance.

Author's Note: This is a chronicle of Lisa's life and her travails with cancer. Lisa is a character from the author's mind. This is written in such fashion that any one of the readers can fit in the shoe of Lisa and relate with her. At the end of each article, the author hopes that each reader will learn good stuff which they can apply in their lives.

Lisa, not her real name, is dating this guy, Jeff, for 6 months. Jeff, dark-skinned, is not fond of spending time under the searing heat of the sun, but is compelled to do so because Lisa loves it, and it is world war if Jeff does not go out with her like going to the beach. Over time, Jeff loved the beach and is seen regularly soaking up the sun. He spends most of his weekends at the beach, with Lisa of course. Jeff does not take Lisa's counsel of using sunblocks and SPF creams, and says he likes the taste of sunburn. Although Lisa would put on cream on him, Jeff does not use it without her beating. Jeff does not have moles, but recently, Lisa says dark spots are appearing on his face and fast. She is concerned if this is a kind of skin cancer.

So they set up a meeting with their dermatologist and asked about his skin changes or any relation to skin cancer. Their doctor taught them how to observe for warning signs of skin cancer and that early detection could mean a huge chance for recovery. Here is what they learned:

• Skin Cancer has two main types: melanoma, the deadliest form, and keratinocyte. They are found anywhere on the body, but is more concentrated on the face where there is great sun exposure. They are treatable if managed early, but melanoma can spread to other organs and is deadly.

• The most common sign of skin cancer is a change on the skin. Areas that are red or pink, shiny or translucent could indicate an early warning sign of skin cancer. Pimples and acne formation must not be regarded lightly if these do not heal even with treatment. Give it about three months, and if there is no hope of cure, go see your doctor or dermatologist immediately.
• Detecting skin cancer is easy as A, B, C and D. A is for asymmetry; moles abnormally shaped is a warning sign of melanoma. B is for border irregularity; areas with raised, rough, or uneven skin boarders can be cancerous. C is for color variations; development of cancer may be seen as multicolored or mottled moles. D is for diameter; cancerous moles have diameter over 6 mm.

• Observe for any abnormal change on the face. Are there dimpling and bumps, especially in unlikely areas and when you have no dimples to begin with? Are there changes on the size of your moles? A mole bigger than the rubber end of the pencil can be a sign of cancer. A clear liquid oozing out from the mole must be evaluated by a doctor.

• What to do to prevent it from developing? Outdoor activities should be done before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Step out from the light, and in to the shadows. Seek shade always, use sunscreens with SPF15 and above, and wear clothing to protect you from the sun such as sunglasses and hats.

So, they went home relieved that Jeff is not suffering from cancer, and they were taught with some valuable lessons. If Lisa was not determined to have those changes seen, Jeff would have remained unconcerned. But Lisa and Jeff could be you and me. Although skin changes may usually take months to years to start appearing, if we remain dumb of the early warning signs of skin cancer, we could end up having cancer on our face or to any parts of our body.