The word “cancer” can strike fear into even the bravest of us. When hearing about skin cancer, many people are quick to think that it is just a matter of time before dealing with this disease. However, you can do some simple things not only on an annual basis to make sure your risk for developing skin cancer is low but also do non-invasive treatment such as cryotherapy nz . The first and foremost thing is to get a skin check done. Skin checks are essential because they can catch any changes in your skin before they turn into something more dangerous. To get yours done today, click for more info.
For those who know what to look out for, there are several other reasons why annual checks should become part of everyone’s routine health care regimen.
Why You Need to Get Annual Skin Check?
To protect yourself from future cancers
Basal cell carcinomas do not typically spread to distant organs as melanoma does. But because they grow slowly, they tend to recur over time. If left untreated, recurrent lesions will eventually cause cosmetic problems and scarring. Fortunately, treatment options include surgery and radiation therapy. They work very well when caught before spreading too much. Because of their low rate of metastasis, BCCs make excellent candidates for less invasive treatments. By catching them early enough, you can avoid undergoing more aggressive procedures later down the line.
To catch precancerous conditions in the earliest stages
Precancerous growth, which occurs when cells begin dividing uncontrollably, has been linked with many types of skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. These types of skin abnormalities are called actinic keratoses. Unfortunately, AKs go undetected until they turn into full-blown skin cancer. Getting checked regularly allows doctors to find and treat AKs before they progress further. Early detection reduces the chance of developing more severe forms of skin cancer. And since actinic keratosis is relatively easy to remove using topical creams, it doesn’t require surgical intervention.
To help identify potential risk factors
If you already have one of the following risks factors for skin cancer, then you might want to start checking yourself annually even sooner than recommended above:
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- Being fair-skinned.
- Having red hair or freckles.
- Living near open fields where pesticides could accumulate.
- Working outdoors where UV rays might expose you to harmful chemicals.
To improve the overall quality of life
Skin cancer isn’t just about avoiding death from dying. It can impact how people feel physically and emotionally. Therefore, taking measures to prevent it can significantly enhance the quality of life. That’s especially true for those with sensitive skin. With this condition, minor irritants can trigger intense itching. Some patients experience burning sensations during urination or defecation. Others suffer extreme feelings of pain due to sores caused by psoriasis. These issues add up to severely limiting daily activities, making it difficult to perform simple tasks like bathing, dressing, going to school, working, etc. A doctor visit can ensure that you receive proper medical attention to treat painful skin rashes without causing further complications properly.
To reduce financial burdens associated with additional visits
In addition to reducing stress levels and improving quality of life, a yearly dermatology exam can save money. For example, you may pay out $100 per hour to see your family physician. At some point, however, if you need extensive care – such as biopsies, surgeries, chemotherapy sessions, etc., you’ll likely spend thousands on medical bills. This means that every year, you’re paying extra expenses whether you need them or not. On top of all this, there are also co-pays and deductibles involved. The cost of annual checkups helps keep both costs and inconvenience at bay.
The Bottom Line
With early detection, skin cancer can be treated more than 90% of the time successfully. But if it goes undetected and spreads to other parts of your body, you could lose a limb or even die from this disease. This is why it’s so important to get an annual skin cancer check done by a doctor who specializes in dermatology.
Read More:
5 Reasons to care for your skin
5 After-care tips after applying a sun lotion
