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Do you know the ABCD rule? This is how you can detect skin cancer at an early stage.

2023-06-09T11:04:00.420Z

Highlights: Around 304,000 people in Germany are diagnosed with skin cancer every year. Excessive UV irradiation is one of the most important risk factors for the development of skin cancer. Most skin cancers are curable, especially if the cancer is detected early and treated early. The so-called "ABCDE rule" can often be used to detect the first signs of the disease.. The number of skin cancers has been rising for years – how you can examine your skin for malignant changes.



The number of skin cancers has been rising for years – how you can examine your skin for malignant changes.

Kassel – Cancer is a widespread disease. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. According to the German Cancer Aid, around 304,000 people in Germany are diagnosed every year. For years, the number of cases has been increasing dramatically. Excessive UV irradiation is one of the most important risk factors for the development of skin cancer.

The cancer is most common in people who work outdoors or play sports or sunbathe frequently. According to the MSD Manual, people with fair skin are particularly susceptible to developing most forms of skin cancer because they produce less melanin. The protective pigment in the outer layer of the skin, helps to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation (UV radiation).

However, most skin cancers are curable, especially if the cancer is detected early and treated early. The so-called "ABCDE rule" can often be used to detect the first signs of skin cancer.

Detecting malignant moles at an early stage: regular check-ups are important in order to treat possible skin cancer at an early stage (symbolic image) © Imago

Detecting skin cancer – with the ABCDE rule

As the German Cancer Aid informs, most of those affected suffer from light or white skin cancer, which rarely forms secondary tumors and is therefore comparatively less threatening than black skin cancer, malignant melanoma. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on moles and moles, so-called pigment marks, and to pay attention to changes in the skin. However, changes can also occur in areas of the skin that are not exposed to the sun.

The ABCDE rule can help to better classify the abnormalities of the skin. Each letter represents a property that a pigmented skin lesion, for example, a birthmark, can have:

  • A for asymmetry: Check skin lesions such as birthmarks to see if they have a uniform round or oval shape. If it is uneven, i.e. asymmetrical, you should consult a dermatologist.
  • B for Limitation: The edges of harmless moles and pigment spots are sharply delineated and smooth. If, on the other hand, the edges appear washed out, jagged, uneven and/or rough, an examination by a dermatologist is urgently recommended.
  • C for Colour: Look for a stain that is not evenly colored, but mixed with pink, gray or black dots. It indicates malignant melanoma and should always be examined by a doctor. The same applies to crusty overlays.
  • D for diameter: If the diameter of a skin lesion is more than three to five millimeters or if the shape is hemispherical, then you should consult a dermatologist quickly.
  • E for grandeur: If a mole protrudes more than a millimeter above the level of the skin and its surface is rough or scaly, this can also be a sign of skin cancer.
  • Source: German Cancer Society, Netdoktor.de

If at least one of the following characteristics applies, the pigment marks should be shown to a doctor and examined as soon as possible. As a general rule, it is better to have abnormalities that unsettle you checked once more than too late. If an existing birthmark changes its size, shape or color, begins to itch or bleed, then a dermatologist should be consulted immediately, advises the German Cancer Society.

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Skin cancer: These factors increase the risk of developing the disease

Even though the ABCDE rule can provide the treating dermatologist with important information, experts advise regular check-ups by the doctor. Only he can make a final diagnosis. As the consumer advice center informs, there has been a nationwide program for skin cancer screening since July 2008. As a result, all those with statutory health insurance over the age of 35 are entitled to a free skin cancer screening by a doctor every two years.

According to the MSD Manual, the risk of developing skin cancer is higher if you:

  • Had frequent sunburns, especially in childhood and adolescence.
  • Regularly go to the solarium.
  • Have a lot of pigment marks.
  • Have a weakened immune system.
  • Skin cancer has already occurred in your family.

Contrary to the assumption that the artificial UV radiation from tanning beds is healthier than the natural radiation from the sun, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the natural UV radiation of the sun and the artificial UV radiation from tanning beds in the highest category of carcinogenic factors. This makes it just as carcinogenic as tobacco.

Editor's note:

The information provided in this article is not a substitute for going to a doctor. Only specialists can make the correct diagnosis and initiate appropriate therapy. The use of medication or dietary supplements should be discussed with a doctor beforehand.

You can significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer if you avoid strong sunlight (midday sun), use sunscreen with sufficient UV protection and also pay attention to textile sun protection. The sunscreen should also not be exposed to high heat – toxic substances can be produced. In the case of old sunscreen, the effectiveness of UV protection can also decrease. If sunburn occurs despite sunscreen, simple home remedies can help. Certain remedies, on the other hand, should be avoided in case of sunburn. (Vivian Werg)

Source: merkur

All news articles on 2023-06-09

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