People who have had skin cancer are often said to be recovered from skin cancer instead of cured. This is because although many forms of melanoma, for example, can be cured, they have a much higher risk of returning and do return often. Thus patients are more likely to develop separate and different melanomas in areas that they did not have them before. However, the outlook for skin cancer patients will vary depending on my different factors.

Statistics are Just That

Patients recovering from skin cancer should not look to statistics or any thing other than their doctors for how their prognosis looks. This is because each cancer patient is an individual and will respond differently to treatment. Although many forms of melanoma and other skin cancers can be cured, patients should be especially vigilant about maintaining regular check-ups and practicing good skin care.

Your doctor will probably recommend you stick to the ABCD guidelines –asymmetry, border, coloring, and diameter. Should you experience any changes in these factors on any other moles or areas of the body, you should schedule a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible, especially if your previous melanoma was thick or spread to other tissues, which can also increase your likelihood of having the cancer recur.

If you have recovered from skin cancer, take great care to protect your skin from the sun by avoiding the sun during its peak hours and wearing a sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15. Also, avoid artificial ultraviolet light including sun lamps and tanning beds. Be wary in situations where you would not expect to be sunburned but in which your chances are still great, such as skiing, where the sun can reflect off the white snow and cause sunburns.

You should also practice a healthy diet and exercise routine. Treating your body well and being cautious about your skin’s health can help to improve your outlook and chances of maintaining your recovery period. Keeping a good routine can also improve your overall health and well being, which can also lessen your risk of having the cancer recur.