Sunscreen On Your Feet? Doctors Urge Sunscreen Use And Exams To Prevent Skin Cancer On Feet

Main Category: Melanoma / Skin Cancer
Also Included In: Preventive Medicine
Article Date: 29 Jul 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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When at the pool or lake we all lather up with sun screen to protect our skin from the harmful rays of the sun. But do we remember to apply sunscreen to our feet?

Many don't realize skin cancer can occur on the feet from unprotected sun exposure, and overlook applying sunscreen to the area. But, physicians from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons warn skin cancer of the foot is prevalent and can even be fatal if not caught early.

While all types of skin cancer, including squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma, can be found on the foot, the most common is the most serious form, melanoma. Symptoms can be as subtle as an abnormal-looking mole or freckle found anywhere on the foot, and often go unnoticed without routine foot exams.

According to foot and ankle surgeon Thanh Dinh, DPM, FACFAS, early diagnosis is key to effective treatment for the condition. But because people aren't looking for the early warning signs or taking the same precautions they do for other areas of the body, often times skin cancer in this region is not diagnosed until later stages.

"I advise my patients to regularly inspect their feet, including the soles, in between their toes and even under their toenails, for any changing moles or spots and to have any suspicious areas promptly examined by a foot and ankle specialist," Dr. Dinh explains.

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons is a professional society of 6,000 foot and ankle surgeons. Founded in 1942, the College's mission is to promote research and provide continuing education for the foot and ankle surgical specialty, and to educate the general public on foot health and conditions of the foot and ankle through its consumer Web site, FootPhysicians.com.

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Source: American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons