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These other risk factors can be chemicals/environment, food, genetics, hormones, infectious agents, radiation, and/or sunlight. All of these factors should be taken into consideration. Examine your skin head to toe monthly, regularly see a dermatologist or other skin expert, and remember to use daily sun protection, including clothing, UV-blocking sunglasses, shade, and SPF 15 or higher sunscreen.
Follow-up skin exams are especially important for people with BCC because they are quite likely to develop new or recurrent BCCs within 5 years of the first one. Early detection and prevention are key.View Thread

Any mole can become cancerous at any time. For instance, moles can undergo a change when an individual reaches puberty, as melanocyte-stimulated hormones can switch on genes that turn benign moles into cancerous moles. Also, remember that melanoma can sometimes be genetic and not only caused by over-exposure to the sun. For instance, individuals with 10 or more dysplastic nevi (atypical moles) — which tend to run in families — have 12 times the risk of developing melanoma compared to the general population.
It is important to get familiar with the ABCDE signs of melanoma, and if you see one or more, make an appointment with a physician immediately.
Have a look at the link below for further details.
http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/melanoma-warning-signs-and-imagesView Thread

Anyone who has had skin cancer has an increased chance of developing another, especially in the same skin area or nearby, generally because the skin has suffered permanent UV damage. Such recurrences typically occur within the first two years after surgery. Thus, follow-up examinations are vital. A superficial basal cell carcinoma might just require follow-up skin examinations, whereas an advanced melanoma requires more intense follow-ups, including blood tests, chest x-rays, lymph node exams, and other imaging tests to make sure no micrometastases (microscopic recurrences) are found.
It's important to schedule visits for follow-up skin exams with your dermatologist every 3-6 months, even if no suspicious signs are noticed. Self-monitoring, routine professional exams, sun avoidance, shade-seeking, and use of sun protection products are all essential parts of post-treatment care.View Thread

- Size and location of the tumor
- Individual skin characteristics and the reconstruction option available
Post-surgical scarring improves with time and can potentially take up to 1 year or more to fully mature. As your surgical site heals, new blood vessels can appear. These new blood vessels support the healing changes occurring underneath the skin. This can result in the reddish appearance of the scar. In addition, the normal healing process involves a period of skin contraction, which often peaks 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery. Again, most of these changes are temporary and will improve in appearance naturally over time, and scar revision techniques may be employed if necessary at any point in the future. Your dermatologist/MOHS surgeon is available for you throughout the healing process and will arrange post surgical check-ups to monitor your recovery, to remove any sutures and to answer any questions or concerns that may arise.
Reference:
www.SkinCancer.orgView Thread

Lifetime UV Exposure in the United States
Ages - - - - - - - - - - - Average Accumulated Exposure*
1 - 18 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 22.73 percent
19 - 40 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 46.53 percent
41 - 59 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 73.7 percent
60 - 78 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 100 percent
*Based on a 78 year lifespan
This is why daily sun protection is so important for everyone. What is your daily sun protection routine? Reply and share it with us.View Thread

Let's also not forget also that other "healthy" habits are crucial daily exercise, even it is simply taking a walk around a few blocks, promotes oxygen flow and blood circulation throughout the body. Watch out for bad "habits": For instance, stress and the over-consumption of sugar and processed foods as well as smoking and excessive drinking of alcohol are known to severely suppress the immune system.View Thread

If so, what course of treatment did you receive and how have you recovered? Reply and share your experience with us.View Thread
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