20 January 2020
The importance of checking our feet for Melanoma
Malignant Melanoma is a form of cancer. It develops from a type of pigment cell called a Melanocyte. Melanomas cause around 7,000 deaths per year.
The GOOD NEWS is that if we can catch them in their early stages, melanomas are almost entirely curable. But if they are located on harder to spot areas, like the feet, then the diagnosis may be delayed.
5 major risk factors for Melanomas include
Fair skin
If there is a large number of Naevi (moles) on your body, for example more than 100
Prolonged sun exposure or a number of sunburns in the past
A family history of melanomas
Weakened immune system
What we need to look out for?
Seek advice from your GP if any mole or skin lesion exhibits some of the following characteristics
Asymmetrical…one half looks different to other
Irregular border or poorly defined border
Colour variations
Diameter…usually larger then 6mm
Evolving…changes in shape and size and colour
Bleeding
Note, that sometimes they can be present under the toe-nails or in-between the toes. In those cases, WE CAN HELP. A visit to Sue (our Podiatrist) is a good way to have moles on the foot detected and monitored.
If you are concerned about moles on your body, or for further information, you can visit the following link https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/melanoma-skin-cancer/ and visit your GP.
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