Dermatologist Shares Two Secret Clues Your Skin Might Be Crying for Help
Important Warnings About Skin Cancer
Many people do not know all the signs of skin cancer. Some signs are easy to notice, but others are not. Dr. Fatima Awdeh, a skin doctor at Riverside Skin and Laser Clinic in Essex, England, wants everyone to learn about the signs. She says that it is important not to ignore changes in your skin.
Did you know that one in five Americans will get skin cancer before age 70? That is a lot of people! Every day, about 9,500 people in the United States find out they have skin cancer. More than two people die every hour from this type of cancer, says the Skin Cancer Foundation. The foundation also says that skin cancer is more common than all other cancers added together. Treating skin cancer in the US costs about $8.1 billion each year.
Recognizing Changes in Skin
On the clinic’s Instagram page, Dr. Awdeh posted about what to look for. She says you should watch for things like new growths or changes in moles and patches of skin. If something is new, growing, or changing, pay attention.
“Signs of skin cancer can include new growths or changes in existing ones, such as moles or patches of skin, that are new, changing, or growing. These changes may include changes in size, shape, color, or border,” she explained.
Another warning sign is a sore that does not heal. If a sore heals and then comes back, that could be a problem too. If a spot on your skin itches or hurts, you should tell an adult or see a doctor.
Little-Known Signs to Watch For
Dr. Fatima Awdeh shared three important symptoms. The last two are ones most people do not know about. The first is a patch of eczema that does not heal. Eczema is a dry, itchy place on your skin. If you have a patch that will not get better, it could mean you have squamous cell carcinoma (called SCC). SCC shows up most often where your skin gets a lot of sun.
The second sign is a pimple that does not heal. It might look like a normal pimple, but if it just stays and never goes away, it could be basal cell carcinoma (called BCC). This is the most common type of skin cancer.
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The third sign is more obvious. If you see a new dark streak under your fingernail or toenail, tell a doctor. This could mean you have melanoma, a very serious type of skin cancer.
How Melanoma Starts and Spreads
Melanoma is a dangerous kind of skin cancer. The Mayo Clinic says it starts in the melanocytes. These are the cells that make melanin, which is what gives your skin its color.
“Melanoma typically starts on skin that’s often exposed to the sun. This includes the skin on the arms, back, face, and legs. Melanoma also can form in the eyes. Rarely, it can happen inside the body, such as in the nose or throat,” the Mayo Clinic says.
If you notice anything unusual on your skin, talk to an adult or a doctor. You can call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or use their live chat online. They are open all the time.
Unusual Night Sweats Can Be a Sign
Health Expert Warning About Night Sweats
When the weather gets hot, you might sweat at night. This is normal, but sometimes night sweats can be a sign of something serious. Dr. Suhail Hussain says that if you sweat a lot at night and do not know why, you should see a doctor.
Leukemia and lymphoma are two types of cancer that can cause night sweats. Leukemia starts in the bone marrow, and lymphoma affects the lymph system. You may wake up with your pajamas and bed sheets soaking wet.
“Night sweats are a common phenomenon and one that’s far more likely to occur on hot, sticky nights. But persistent or unexplained sweating during sleep shouldn’t be ignored—particularly if it happens alongside other symptoms like weight loss or fatigue. The occurrence of such symptoms should not merely be dismissed as 'oh well it's just hot outside',” Dr. Hussain told the Express.
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“Night sweats can be a sign of something more serious, such as a serious infection, the menopause—or even cancer,” he said. “Sweats associated with cancer are normally drenching—literally. You can wake up with your pyjamas and bed sheets wringing wet with sweat."
If this happens to you a lot, see your doctor. Other rare cancers can cause sweating too. Some cancers affect hormones and can make your body sweat more.
“The bottom line is that if you feel like sweaty Betty or perspiring Pete and it’s going on a bit too long, then head over to your GP and get it checked out,” Dr. Hussain said.
The group Leukaemia Care gives advice about night sweats. They say to see a doctor if you often wake up with night sweats or if you are drenched in sweat even when your room is cool.
A 100-Year-Old Woman Beats Cancer
Layne Horwich’s Story of Strength
Layne Horwich is a cancer survivor. She was 100 years old when she found out she had breast cancer. It was just two months after her big birthday. She got the news the day after Independence Day last year.
Layne shared her story with Endeavor Health. She went to Highland Park Hospital, near Chicago. Her story became popular on Instagram.
“For me at my age, my breast cancer diagnosis was something that I could deal with,” Layne said.
She chose to have a lumpectomy. This is a surgery to remove just the part of the breast with the tumor. Her doctors gave her three choices: do nothing, take medicine, or have surgery.
“I opted to have surgery because I felt it was a prudent decision for my health,” Layne said. “I know this is not the same for a 30-year-old woman and that breast cancer can alter the rest of her life with complications or reoccurrences and related uncertainty. But at almost 101, a heart attack or a stroke would have been more devastating and could possibly leave me incapacitated.”
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Dr. Catherine Pesce, one of her doctors, said: “Surprisingly, Layne wanted to have the surgery, but I agreed because I knew she would tolerate it. She is truly an amazing person and is doing great after surgery.” Six months later, everyone was amazed at how well she was doing.
Layne says her secret is to keep active. “I do everything I can to keep going, like reading and playing cards. I played tennis regularly until I was 92. I try to do all the right things to stay active and healthy.”
She also says it is important to see a doctor if something is wrong. “I encourage other women to stop living with something that bothers them or could be a medical concern. Seek expert care.”
How Skin Marks Can Show Cancer
Checking Your Moles and Skin Spots
Sometimes, marks on your skin can mean something serious. For example, Teddi Mellencamp, who was on the show Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, found out she had brain tumors after having headaches for many weeks. She had stage two melanoma, which is a dangerous skin cancer.
Melanoma starts in cells called melanocytes, which give skin its color. The Mayo Clinic says, “Melanoma typically starts on skin that’s often exposed to the sun. This includes the skin on the arms, back, face and legs. Melanoma also can form in the eyes. Rarely, it can happen inside the body, such as in the nose or throat.”
If melanoma spreads to the brain, it is very serious. AIM at Melanoma says, “more than 60% of all Stage IV melanoma patients will develop brain metastases at some point.”
Doctors say to look out for moles that are not round or are uneven in color. Harmless moles are usually even and smooth. Melanoma moles can be brown or black with different shades. If a mole changes over time, see a doctor.
Melanoma is becoming more common. It kills up to 8,000 people in the US each year. It is dangerous because it can spread fast.
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If melanoma spreads to the brain, it can cause headaches, seizures, vision problems, weakness, and other symptoms. If you notice any of these, tell an adult right away.
If you have melanoma, you might also get other types of cancer, like breast, kidney, or thyroid cancer.
Treatments for melanoma that spreads to the brain include chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and targeted therapy. AIM to Melanoma says, “Surgery is a standard treatment for melanoma brain metastases. It is potentially curative for patients whose melanoma is otherwise controlled and who have a limited number of brain metastases.” But if there are many tumors or they are in important parts of the brain, surgery might not be possible.
How Habits Affect Colon Cancer Risk
New Research on Smoking and Drinking
A new study looked at why more young people are getting colon cancer. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in America. In 2023, 153,020 people were told they have colon cancer, and more than 52,000 died from it.
Researchers in Germany found that smoking and drinking alcohol can raise your risk. Smoking just 100 cigarettes in your life can make your chance of getting colon cancer 59% higher than people who never smoke. Drinking alcohol every day, even just one or two drinks, raises your risk by 39%.
The researchers wrote, “Alcohol consumption and smoking are significant risk factors for EOCRC and should be addressed in the context of prevention. These results clearly suggest that alcohol consumption is associated with a significantly increased risk of CRC at any age.”
What This Means For You
Bowel Cancer UK gives advice about alcohol and smoking. They say, “Alcohol is linked to an increased risk of developing several types of cancer, including bowel cancer. Alcohol can damage the cells that line the inside of the bowel, which makes it more likely for cancer to develop.”
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They recommend not drinking alcohol at all. If you do drink, try to drink less. Do not have more than 14 units of alcohol in a week. Spread it out and have at least two days with no alcohol.
The group also says, “Smoking increases your risk of developing several cancers, including bowel cancer. People who smoke are more likely to develop polyps (non-cancerous growths) in the bowel which could turn into cancer if they’re not treated.”
Simple Steps to Stay Healthy
There are many things you can do to stay healthy and lower your cancer risk:
- Stay out of the sun during the middle of the day.
- Wear sunscreen, hats, and shirts with sleeves when outside.
- Check your skin every month for new spots or changes.
- Tell an adult or doctor if you find a sore that does not heal, a pimple that will not go away, or a new streak under your nail.
- If you sweat a lot at night for no reason, talk to a doctor.
- Try not to smoke or drink alcohol. If you do, try to stop or do it less.
- Keep active by playing, walking, and doing things you enjoy.
If you or someone you know is worried about cancer, do not wait. Tell a doctor or call the American Cancer Society. Remember, when you catch cancer early, you have a much better chance to get better.
Stories, Facts, and Hope
Many people have beaten cancer, like Layne Horwich. She stayed active and kept a positive attitude. Doctors and researchers are working hard to find new ways to treat cancer.
It is important to learn the signs and help others do the same. Always check your skin. Take care of your body. Be brave about going to the doctor if something feels wrong.
If you remember these tips, you can help keep yourself and your family safe and healthy. If you are ever worried, do not be afraid to ask questions or talk to a grown-up. Working together, we can all fight cancer and stay strong!
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