Skin Cancer: How to Help Your Senior to Heal from Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer: May is Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month.
This is an important reminder to check your senior’s skin for any changes that might need to be looked at more closely. Skin cancer is almost always treatable if it is diagnosed quickly enough.
What Causes Skin Cancer and Makes Your Senior More Susceptible?
Exposure to UV radiation from the sun or from tanning booths and sun lamps can cause skin cancer in some people. Some people can tan every single day of their life and never get skin cancer, while other people can develop skin cancer with relatively little UV radiation exposure. Some of the risk factors include having a family history of skin cancer, having fair skin, and being a smoker. Your senior may want to talk to her doctor about her personal risk factors.
Diagnosing Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is initially diagnosed through an examination of the skin. Your senior’s doctor examines her skin, including any moles or other abnormalities, looking for changes and asymmetry, especially in the case of moles. Your senior’s doctor would also look for any skin discolorations. If anything looks suspicious, a biopsy is usually the next step. This is when a sample of the questionable area is cut away and sent off for laboratory testing.
Treatments for Skin Cancer
Treating skin cancer appropriately depends on the type and the severity of the skin cancer itself. Some skin cancer lesions are able to be completely removed in the biopsy, while others require radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or major surgery to remove them. If your elderly family member requires these more complicated treatments, having home health care assistance with aftercare and wounds can make a huge difference in her recovery.
Preventing Recurrences of Skin Cancer
Preventing skin cancer from recurring means adhering to monthly self-exams of skin. Your senior should talk to her doctor right away about any changes or abnormalities. There may be other things that she can do to reduce her risk, like using high SPF sunscreen, wearing a hat that shades her skin, and stopping smoking. Your senior’s doctor can help her to understand what else can reduce the risk of skin cancer recurring for her.
Paying close attention to your senior’s skin on a regular basis can help you to make sure you’re aware of any changes, too. If she needs help with skin examinations, it may be a good idea to keep a log of any moles so that you can spot changes more readily.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Senior Care in Hockessin, DE, please contact the caring staff at Macklyn Home Care today. (302) 691-3217