Bizzy, Melanoma incidence increases with age because older people have had more opportunities to be exposed to UV radiation and their capacity to repair the damage is diminished. How can older people know if their skin is has cancers? And what can be done about the damage already done?
Older people need to have a regular, at least annual, thorough head to toe check to identify any skin cancer at an early treatable stage. Skin Cancer is the most common form of cancer in NZ There are 3 types of skin cancer; Melanoma, Basal and Squamous Cell carcinoma that have different appearances. Melanoma can appear anywhere on the skin and Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma usually appear on sun exposed areas. Melanoma, if unnoticed, can rapidly spread and become life threatening- so early detection is the key. Watch out for any of the following- A new fast growing bump, growing in height- an aggressive Nodular melanoma presents like this. A mole or freckle lesion that stands out as different known as the "Ugly duckling" Any A, B, C, D, E , F, G H changes (Asymmetrical , Border irregular, Colour variable, Diameter changes, Evolution, Firm, Growing, Height increase) A new lesion An unhealing sore. A persistently itchy lesion A tender lesion A lesion that bleeds readily A scaly lesion that grows in height. All these signs need checking sooner rather than later. Getting familiar with your skin by regular self- monitoring helps identify changing moles, freckles and lesions earlier. Seeing pictures of what to watch out for and self- monitoring is encouraged. It is valuable to get a head to toe MoleMap to thoroughly check all the skin, including the back which is harder to self- monitor. It is especially helpful for people living alone and when cannot see as well. Try to justify the cost of good health checks as often things caught early are generally readily and more simply treated. It is never too late to be careful with best practises with sun protection to get the benefit. September to April use sun protection( shade, clothing, hats, sunscreen and sunglasses) especially between 10am and 4pm A 30- minute daily walk or some form of exercise for 30 minutes in the early morning or late afternoon without sun protection is recommended for Vitamin D absorption Those who have had past skin cancer need advice from their doctors as to whether wear sun protection all year and whether vitamin D supplements are important. Using a good moisturizer that suits your skin can help prevent scaly lesions developing.
