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How to detect skin cancer?
Early detection improves chances of cure
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There is
absolutely no doubt that the more we
expose our skin to the sun, the more chances we have
of having
skin cancer. As many as 60,000 people a year die
from too much sun, according to the World Health
Organization. The bulk of the deaths are from skin cancers
caused by excess exposure to ultraviolet radiation. So what if the damage is already done?
Well, it is better to find out if you have early symptoms
of skin cancer. Olay and the American Society for
Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) have the following tips for
detecting skin cancer early before treatment becomes more
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Schedule an
annual screening appointment to increase your chances of
detecting and treating melanoma. A skin cancer screening
is
an easy,
non-invasive two- to three-minute visual inspection of
the entire body by a
physician trained in the diagnosis and treatment
of skin diseases and conditions.
Know
your body. Examine skin at least once a month, searching
for any spots or
moles that seem to have changed size, color or shape.
Focus on your
neck,
chest
and torso, and use a bright light, full-length mirror,
hand-mirror and blow dryer to inspect hard-to-see areas
such as the scalp and back of the neck. Know your "ABCDE
of moles and
melanoma" so you can alert your dermatologic surgeon
to any of the following key skin cancer warning signs:
- Asymmetry - moles that have
asymmetric borders
- Border irregularity - that have
uneven borders
- Color variability - that have a
variety of colors
- Diameter - larger than a pencil
eraser
- Evolving - that change in size,
shape or color over time
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Tips for Skin
Cancer Prevention
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Protect skin
every day, rain or shine, whatever the season,
because the UVA/B rays you are exposed to during
your daily routine put skin at risk every time
you step outside or even sit near a window.
Use a sunscreen called
Anthelios-SX.
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Apply a
daily moisturizer with broad-spectrum sun
protection of at least SPF 15 every day before
going outside.
Olay has an extensive
collection of
facial moisturizers that provide skin with
essential moisture while protecting skin from
the sun's most harmful rays, including
moisturizers with SPF 15 and 30, anti-aging with
SPF 15, even the new Olay Touch of Sun Daily UV
Facial Moisturizer which contains SPF 15 and a
touch of
sunless tanner to get glowing skin without
the sin of
tanning.
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Avoid sun between
10 AM and 4 PM when ultraviolet (UV) radiation
is most harmful.
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Wear wide-brimmed
hats, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and
UV-protective sunglasses for protection.
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