It is not easy to accept that you have skin cancer. The first reaction is the ''denial phase'' where as an individual, you would probably say ''Why me?''. Your health practitioner have explain to you that cummulative sun exposure over the years is probably one of the main factors that contributed to the developmentn of skin cancer. Again your genes probably contributed as well, people with immediate family history of skin cancer have a high percentage of developing one. If you are an individual with pale skin, blue eyes and your skin never tan and always burn then the risk of having skin cancer is also high. Specially if the skin is expose to the sun with out appropriate protection. Hearing the word cancer can be frightening and at the same time you feel helpless. Not all skin cancer are malignant or the ability of the cancer cells to spread. The two types of skin cancer that can spread are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and Malignant melanoma (MM). Squamous cell carcinoma are commonly occuring on sun exposed areas like back of the hands, face and ears. Malignant melanoma are common on the trunk for man and on the lower legs for women. Intermittent sun expose areas can also be affected.
Early detection is vital, just like any other type of cancer. The health professional took your history specially the duration of the lesion or mole. If your cancer is detected early and appropriate interventions were done then the prognosis is better. Unfortunately there are some individual that does not seek medical help not unless the sypmtoms is already bothering them. If you notice any odd looking lesion/mole on your body, that is increasing in size, changing in color with asymmetrical borders, please do see your health professionals for advise.
Once you are diagnosed with skin cancer, the next step is to ask your doctor what type it is and to provide you as much written information as possible. In the UK, skin cancer specialist nurses are widely avialable to offer support and to help in dessiminating information. It is important that you have their contact number for any queries about your treatment and be able to access them easily. Nurses play an important role in supporting skin cancer patients. You can also ask for any local support groups in your area, knowing that you are not alone with skin cancer can help. Members of these support group can provide information about their experiences with treatment and the impact of this illness to them.
It is important that you adhere to your scheduled appointments. Your doctor usually gives you a follow up appointmnet whether after your surgical intervention or follow up post treatment. Look after your surgical wound and you need to know the signs of infection as part of post surgical complications. Again seek medical help if your wound is infected. If you have difficulty in making appointmnet with your GP then try to contact your skin cancer nurse for support and advise.Your risk of developing another skin cancer is high, so learn how to examine your skin regularly. Your health professional will help you on how to examine your skin and palpate any lumps and bumps on the area near to your skin cancer. Sun protection is vital, try to avoid sun exposure between 10am and 3pm. See your health professional for any queries.....
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