Signs Your Parent May Have Skin Cancer

Elderly Care Skokie IL - Signs Your Parent May Have Skin Cancer

Skin cancer affects more people in the United States each year than all of the other kinds of cancer combined. One fifth of people develop skin cancer by the time they are 70 years old. Although skin cancer is more common than other kinds of cancer, it is also treatable when it is detected early. Knowing the signs of skin cancer can help you to recognize it in your elderly relative so that they can receive treatment and increase their chances of survival.  

Common Places for Skin Cancer to Develop 

Skin cancer most often occurs on areas of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun. Common places for skin cancer to develop are: 

• Face. 
• Lips. 
• Scalp. 
• Ears. 
• Neck. 
• Chest. 
• Arms. 
• Hands. 
• Legs (in women). 

Although those are the most common places, skin cancer can affect any part of the body. It can even develop on palms and beneath fingernails.  

Light-skinned people are diagnosed with skin cancer more often than darker skinned people. However, people of any race can get it. In darker skinned people, melanomas more commonly appear on parts of the body that aren’t exposed to the sun, like the soles of the feet and palms of the hands. 

ABCDEs of Skin Cancer Warning Signs 

Melanomas are the most dangerous form of skin cancer, so it’s important to be able to recognize them. The American Cancer Society recommends using the ABCDE rule to determine if a spot on the skin could be cancer. ABCDE is an acronym that stands for: 

• Asymmetry: Look for spots where one side doesn’t match the other.  
• Border: Moles that have borders that are ragged or irregular may be cancerous. 
• Color: A mole with irregular coloring that is not the same throughout the mole is a sign of cancer. The mole may have different colors of brown and black. Or, it could have areas that are pink, red, blue, or white. 
• Diameter: Watch for moles that are bigger than about a quarter of an inch in diameter. However, it’s important to know that melanomas can be smaller. 
• Evolving: If the mole changes, see a doctor. Look for changes in color, size, or shape. 

The Mayo Clinic recommends regular skin checks to detect skin cancer early. The senior should examine their skin for new moles or moles that have changed. An elderly care provider can help them to look for abnormalities on parts of the body that are hard to see, like the back. If the senior does find an unusual spot, an elderly care provider can drive them to the doctor appointment to have the mole examined. An elderly care provider can also drive them to follow-up appointments for treatment. 

Sources:  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20377605 

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/melanoma-skin-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html 

https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/melanoma-warning-signs-and-images/do-you-know-your-abcdes 

https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elderly Care Services in Skokie IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

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