YouOptimised and London Osteoporosis Clinic focus on prevention and wish to highlight the importance of screening and prevention, including skin cancer screening.
Here, Dr Thrarakam, Senior Consultant Dermatologist, kindly shares his knowledge, opening with an emphasis on the crucial need for regular skin cancer checks. He particularly urges those who’ve lived in hot climates, experienced sunburn, undergone organ transplant or are on immunosuppressants to take this advice to heart. The doctor’s mantra is simple yet significant: the best person to identify a problematic mole is you.
It’s an empowering thought, spotting the ‘black sheep’ mole amidst the flock. A routine glance in the mirror could transform into a lifesaving action. Changes to look out for include a mole that itches, bleeds, darkens, or has irregular borders. Spotting any of these signs necessitates an immediate visit to the dermatologist.
While melanoma often steals the spotlight, Dr Thrarakam reminds us not to overlook other skin cancers, such as basal and squamous cell carcinoma. The former can present as a persistent scab that refuses to heal, while the latter might appear as a lumpy area, commonly on sun-exposed areas like ears or a hairless head.
Lastly, he highlights sun-damaged skin, which can manifest as rough patches, known as solar keratosis. These, too, require medical attention as they could potentially evolve into skin cancer.
At the YouOptimised Clinic, our approach is proactive, empowering you with the knowledge and tools to safeguard your health. Early detection, after all, is the game-changer in the fight against skin cancer.
We will have more to share on this topic soon.
