News and Events at Invigorations
Skin Cancer Facts: Be Aware
Yes, another article about skin cancer. It’s because it’s out there, it’s the most common of all cancers, and many of us don’t know we have it. Just in the last 3 months...
- One Invigorations client after going to the doc found out she had melanoma and it looked just like a freckle. She said there was no way it looked any different to her than any other freckle.
- Another client spent over a year going to different doctors for what looked like pimples on her calf to finally discover it was a huge squamous cell carcinoma that resulted in a grapefruit size mass of muscle that had to be removed.
- And another had a spot that just wouldn’t heal and found out it was cancer.
What are the signs & symptoms?
Apply your ABCDE’s.
- A=Asymmetry. If you folded the spot, would both parts match? Yes is good.
- B=Borders. Are they smooth or meandering? Smooth is good.
- C=Color. One color is good. Several contrasting colors…hmm, not so good.
- D=Diameter. Is the spot the size of a pencil eraser? Smaller is better.
- E=Evolving & Elevation. Changing in size, color, shape, elevation—not good.
Mainly watch for new spots that appear and/or changes in spots you already have, especially color-size-elevation. If a spot has oozing or bleeding that’s not healing, definitely get it checked out.
Reminders about prevention:
- Avoid heavy duty sun or tanning exposure.
- Fashion trend: wear a hat and sunglasses.
- Rub on the sunscreen.
If you have any questions about the best sun screens for your skin type, stop in or make an appointment for a free Face Mapping Analysis. This analysis is also a regular part of every facial at Invigorations.
By Sharyn Madison, Licensed Aesthetician and Skin Care Therapist
