Mole vs Melanoma – What Does Skin Cancer Look Like? Should I Be Worried?
When you think about skin cancer, melanoma is perhaps the most well-known. It is responsible for most skin cancer deaths, according to the CDC. There are several types of skin cancers, with basal cell carcinoma being the most common skin cancer type. Basal cell carcinoma accounts for 80% of all skin cancer cases.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, skin cancer is a malignant tumor that grows in the skin cells. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. About one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, with 9,500 people in the U.S. being diagnosed with skin cancer daily.
More than 1 million Americans live with melanoma right now; about 99,780 new melanomas will be diagnosed (about 57,180 in men and 42,600 in women in 2022, according to the American Cancer Society, with about 7,650 people are expected to die of melanoma (about 5,080 men and 2,570 women)in 2022.
Most skin cancer is minor and is not a significant health concern. However, you should be aware of the types of skin cancer. We should pay more attention to our skin after years of sun exposure as we get older. Learn more by clicking here.
The American Medical Association says that more than 40% of melanomas in the U.S. are diagnosed in patients older than 65 years. Older people also have other chronic health issues that complicate diagnosis and treatment.
Cancer Stage Determines Melanoma Treatment
Cancer's stage determines the treatment for melanoma. There are various stages - click here. If you have an early stage, you should seek treatment right away because you may not experience metastasis symptoms. Older people may miss the signs, so special attention to skincare is essential.
Metastatic melanoma occurs when the cancerous cells from the original tumor (called the primary tumor) get loose, travel through the lymph or blood circulation, and start a new tumor (called the metastatic tumor) somewhere else. Once it spreads or metastasizes, the disease is known as metastatic melanoma.
According to skincancer.org, once a tumor has spread elsewhere in the body, it is considered a stage IV melanoma, with an estimated five-year survival rate of only 18 percent in the U.S. New treatments improve the survival rate, but nothing is better than early detection.
Once we get beyond age 40, we start seeing firsthand the changes in our health, body, and mind. With time, these changes increase our risk of needing long-term health care. We can't prevent aging, but we can prepare for the costs and burdens created when we need care due to an illness, accident, or the consequences of longevity.
Future long-term health care costs will increase adversely impact our future income, assets, lifestyle, and legacy. You have probably worked hard saving money in your 401(k), IRA, and other accounts. You also probably don't wish to burden your family by having them become your future caregiver.
Being Proactive with Health and Aging is Vital
Once you get into your 'fragile 50s,' we experience a decline in our health. Our bodies start to get worn down, and we have a bigger risk of dementia once we get past age 60.
Taking proactive steps to take care of our health will improve the overall quality of our life as we get into older ages. Being proactive include getting regular check-ups and blood work - including a skin exam checking for skin cancer.
We should also be proactive in planning for our future retirement. One of the most significant financial risks we face is the cost of long-term health care. Long-Term Care Insurance is part of the retirement planning equation.
When you own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, you own a solution giving you access to guaranteed tax-free resources to pay for the type of care you want, including in-home care. But don't delay; the experts say act before retirement, ideally in your 40s and 50s.
If you have a history of melanoma, it could impact your ability to obtain an LTC Insurance policy. There are several factors involved, so be sure to speak with an experienced Long-Term Care Specialist to guide you with the available options.
Most skin cancer is minor, but discuss all your health history so a specialist can match you with the best and most affordable options.
Be proactive about your health, including skin health. Being proactive about the costs and burdens of aging is just as important.