You Can Get Skin Cancer THERE? (no way!)
Skin is the largest organ in the body…
So it’s not surprising that skin cancer is the most common form of the disease.
More than 20 percent of Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer during their lifetimes – and every day, 9,500 more folks get the bad news.
The vast majority of skin cancers – 90 percent – are caused by sun damage… mostly in areas of the body that get the MOST sun exposure, like the scalp, face, lips, ears, chest, and limbs.
But what MAY surprise you is that skin cancer can ALSO develop in some unexpected places…
Like areas where the sun DON’T shine… and even in body parts that DON’T have skin.
The Forgotten Five
Battling ANY type of cancer is tough… and even when you WIN the battle, the toxic treatments can make you feel like death warmed over.
That’s why the BEST way to fight cancer… is to never get it in the first place.
But if you DO get it, early detection – and beginning treatment ASAP – is your best bet for a successful outcome.
That includes skin cancer… which can often be spotted by performing monthly self-exams of your skin.
It’s important to carefully check areas that are frequently exposed to the sun… like your face or arms.
But skin cancer can ALSO develop in some unexpected parts of your body – even spots that NEVER see the sun… or that aren’t even made of skin.
Friend, I’m talking about these five top skin cancer spots:
- Your irises. Your eyes are constantly exposed to the sun and can sustain damage from UV rays. The iris, the colored part of the eye, can develop melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
- Inside your ears. Crusty growths inside your ears that don’t wash away could be skin cancer.
- Under your tongue. Your tongue doesn’t get much sun exposure, but melanoma can spread from another part of your body. Smoking and poor oral care can also increase the risk of other types of cancer in your tongue and mouth.
- Under your nails. The popularity of gel manicures and pedicures, which use UV light to cure polish, is spiking cases of under-nail cancer. Apply sunscreen to fingers and toes beforehand to block damaging UV rays.
- Between your cheeks. Squamous cell carcinoma, a treatable form of skin cancer, can develop in your “gluteal cleft” – aka your butt crack. It can also develop further INSIDE, which you can’t see, but symptoms can include pain during bowel movements and blood in the bowl.
Saving Your Skin
Friend, it’s important to know what’s “normal” for your body – so you can spot anything unusual, like changes in moles or new growths.
So if you haven’t been performing monthly skin checks, now’s a great time to start. And DON’T forget to look for abnormal changes in the five body parts I mentioned above.
Non-melanoma skin cancers – basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas – can appear red, pearly, scaly, and crusty… and bleed easily.
If you spot a new skin lesion and it DOESN’T go away in a month, call your doctor to have it evaluated.
Same goes for moles that are getting larger or darker, and developing irregularly shaped borders. These could be signs of melanoma.
And for extra protection, visit your doctor for yearly head-to-toe skin checks – especially if you live in a sunny climate.
One more thing…
In case you missed it, here’s what else we’ve been chatting about this week in e-Tips:
[ALERT!] Common Cleaning Chemical Linked to Parkinson’s
- There’s a toxic chemical lurking in your clothes, cleaning products, and neighborhood… plus, it contaminates 30 percent of our country’s drinking water. It’s known to cause deadly diseases, like cancer… and now, it’s been linked to Parkinson’s. Here’s how to protect yourself.
A Spiky, Pesky WEED Smooths Skin? (wow!)
- Pulling ugly weeds makes your garden look healthier and more beautiful. And now, a new study revealed that a certain spiky weed could do the same for aging skin. In fact, it could be the key to multiple anti-aging benefits… including smoothing wrinkles and making skin look younger. Be one of the first to discover it.
“Fishy” Secret ERASES Wrinkles?
- Here’s ANOTHER natural wrinkle reducer you can start using TODAY. But instead of applying it TO your skin, it works to “youthify” your skin from the INSIDE out. Research found it can make skin look firmer, younger, and healthier… and it could do the same for YOU.
Body FAT Cuts Diabetes Risk in HALF – and MORE?
- All body fat is NOT created equal. In fact, there’s a special kind of fat that can BURN excess calories… and new research found it can also slash diabetes risk in HALF and protect your hear Find out what it is… and how to boost YOUR body’s supply.
Prevent Diabetes While You SLEEP?
- Nearly 100 million Americans have prediabetes… and their high blood sugar levels put them on the fast track to diabetes. Thankfully, research has revealed a simple way to help control blood sugar – while you SLEEP. Get the amazing details here.
SLASH Blood Pressure in Just Two Minutes? (must-read!)
- Mainstream blood pressure goals are like a moving target – hit your mark, and they lower the goal post. Dangerous drugs aren’t the answer… but a do-it-yourself solution can help reduce high blood pressure and other risks to cardiovascular health. And it only takes is two minutes!
Source:
“Skin cancer isn’t just for skin: 7 surprising places the disease can emerge.” StudyFinds, April 8, 2023. (studyfinds.org/skin-cancer-surprising-sites)