May is Melanoma Awareness Month

Melanoma Awareness Month Should Be Every Month – But Officially It’s May

Plastic surgeons are often involved in removing skin cancers as many occur on the face in areas where the sun hits us most directly (nose, cheeks, temples and ears).

Please don’t ignore changes seen on your skin! The longer you wait to have a skin cancer removed, the bigger it will get, and the more complicated the surgery will be to remove it.

Watch for ugly duckling spots – not like the others. You might find changing spots that may be more pink in colour. They may not resemble usual moles. Be especially aware of them if you find they start bleeding, crusting, itching or ulcerating (non-healing). If you see these signs on your own skin or the skin of a loved one, the next step is to make an appointment to see your family doctor to ask their opinion. Sometimes family doctors will do a small biopsy to get a diagnosis, but sometimes they are uncomfortable doing the biopsy if it is on your face. Your family doctor will then usually do a referral to a specialist like a plastic surgeon or dermatologist.

View More Images Here of the 3 main types of skin cancer:

1. Basal Cell Carcinomas

2. Squamous Cell Carcinomas

3. Melanomas

Anyone who sunburns can get skin cancer, so take steps to protect yourself year-round.

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