Signs of Skin Cancer

It’s important to understand and recognize the signs of skin cancer these days especially since skin cancer statistics show that estimates that over 1,000,000 will develop some type of skin cancer by the end of 2009! That figure is staggering. Knowing how to recognize the early signs and symptoms of skin cancer are also important since most types of skin cancer is treatable if caught early enough.

Five Signs of Skin Cancer

• A - Assymmetry: Check all moles or growths for any irregular shapes. Meaning the top half of the mole should look similar to the bottom half and the left side should look similar to the right side. In normal or non-cancerous growths, both halves and/or both sides are similar in shape – if not, you should seek the advice of your physician or dermatologist. Better to be safe than sorry.
• B - Border : Border irregularities refer to the outside edges of the growth or mole. Check to see if they are ragged, uneven, scalloped, or notched
• C - Color : Be suspicious if the mole has variations on it’s color and is not uniform. Especially, if there are variations of color including red, white, or blue dashes giving it a molted like appearance.
• D - Diameter : The size or diameter of a mole, growth, or freckly is another one of the five signs of skin cancer that should monitored. Any mole that is larger than 6 mm – which is about the size of a pencil erase – should be considered suspicious. Also, any new mole should be a concern too.

You should check yourself periodically for these five signs of skin cancer. Use a mirror and examine your skin in the front and back and left and right sides. Don't forget to check the elbows, forearms, and back of upper arms. Also, examine your legs, feet and in between your toes.

Of course any mole or skin lesions that looks suspicious, is new, or is crusty, bleeding, or oozing should also be looked at by a professional – as soon as possible.

Protecting Yourself Against The Symptoms Of Skin Cancer

Recent research indicates that certain popular chemicals normally found in most over the counter sunscreens may be doing more harm than good The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that out of 785 sun screens analyzed -- a staggering 84% contained ingredients with safety concerns or did not provide adequate protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

In addition, researchers from the University of California discovered that some sun screens may not even protect against basal cell carcinoma or melanoma.

They have identified the following chemicals as being harmful:

• benzophenone-3
• 4-MBC (4-methyl-benzylidene camphor)
• PABA
• octyl-methoxycinnamate (OMC)
• homosalate

Click here Sun Safety to read more.....

Until more information and research is done - it is best to stick with a natural broad spectrum sunscreen that does not contains the chemicals listed above.

After months of researching, I've come across one of the best that is not only free of harmful chemicals and protect your skin against cancer, aging wrinkles and lines.

Click here to read about the Ultimate UV Defense