I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes five years ago, and I've had to make considerable changes to my lifestyle to maintain my health since I was diagnosed. I started this blog to share my experience of coming to terms with having type 2 diabetes and what I've learned on my personal journey. I share details of the lifestyle changes I've made, including giving up smoking and eating more wholefoods, and my personal experience of using alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine. I also post about new treatments that are becoming available for type 2 diabetes. I hope you find my blog useful and informative.
Skin checks are mainly performed to look for signs of skin cancer. These can be freckles or moles, but not all are signs of cancer. You might have some questions like how to know whether you have skin cancer, what skin checks involve, who conducts them, etc. You can find the answers below.
What Causes Skin Issues
First, you need to know that people with lighter skin complexions are more prone to skin cancer because they lack sufficient melanin to block harmful UV rays. Hot weather and exposure to harmful UV rays do not make things any easier; they only increase your chances of getting skin cancer.
Secondly, if a member of your family has been diagnosed with cancer, especially skin cancer, then you might be at a high risk of skin cancer, and you should see a dermatologist even if you don't have symptoms. Sometimes, you may also have inherited diseases that may make it hard for your body to heal from UV rays damage.
Thirdly, some lifestyle habits can make you more susceptible to skin cancer. For example, smoking and the use of tanning beds can make your skin more susceptible.
Where Do You Start?
If you fit in any of the above categories, you might need to visit your general practitioner for a skin check. It is usually a visual examination of your entire body. Your general practitioner may also conduct several tests that may include drawing blood, especially if you are in the second and third categories mentioned above.
If you are in the first category, the general practitioner might only inspect your body for freckles or moles that could be an indication of skin cancer.
Depending on the results, you can be referred to a dermatologist or a skin cancer specialist.
What Happens If You Are Found to Have Skin Cancer?
Early detection is crucial because treatment is easier to administer. Late detection can sometimes be difficult to treat, especially if cancer has spread to multiple organs. Your skin cancer specialist conducts further tests to determine the extent of your cancer and discusses the way forward.
What Happens If You Do Not Have Skin Cancer?
You are educated on best prevention strategies, how to inspect your skin and how frequently you need to visit the clinic for professional skin checks. Prevention strategies may include protecting yourself from harmful UV rays by using sunscreen, sunglasses, avoiding smoking and refraining from using tanning beds.
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