Today’s seniors are more likely than previous generations to develop skin cancer. They risk is greater because during their younger years the public did not have the same awareness of the damage the sun (and tanning beds) can do to skin. According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and it affects almost 2.2 million Americans.
Your skin changes throughout your life, developing new moles up until the age of 40. As you age, other alterations occur that are related to age, such as wrinkles, age spots and sagging. These changes are natural and to be expected. If you note the following changes, however, you should have your skin checked out by a doctor:
- Change in the size, color or shape of an existing mole
- Ragged edges on a mole that did not exist before
- A mole that becomes raised
- Scaly, itchy, bloody or oozy patches on the skin
- Any strange blemish
To help prevent any additional skin damage, be sure to wear sunscreen, use proper cover-ups (such as hats and sunglasses) and seek shade from direct sunlight. In addition, seniors should see their doctors for regular skin cancer screenings.
A new study from the American Cancer Society’s peer-reviewed journal found that a regimen of aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may decrease a person’s risk of developing skin cancer.
At Interim HealthCare of The Upstate, our healthcare professionals can assist with ensuring your elderly loved ones are properly safeguarding themselves against any dangers and keep them safe when they go outside.
