Post-Hospital Care – Six Facts to Keep In Mind When It Comes to Skin Cancer
Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer that occurs in the cells that provide the tan or brown pigmentation in your skin. While melanoma is not one of the more common types of skin cancer, it’s aggressive and usually has already started to spread to other areas of the body when it’s diagnosed. Here are six facts to know about melanoma.
1. Sunscreen Is an Important Preventative Measure
Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 35 or higher is an important step in preventing skin cancer. Apply it before going outside and reapply it every two hours.
2. 70% to 80% of Melanomas Do Not Start in a Mole
For years, people have believed that they need to watch moles for changes in order to catch melanomas early. Upwards of 30% of diagnosed melanomas are found in existing moles. Many of them appear randomly.
3. More Men Than Women Are Diagnosed With Melanoma
Each year, around 97,600 Americans are diagnosed with melanoma. Of those, around 58,100 are men. When men have melanoma, the lesions are typically seen on the back, torso, and chest.
4. The Average Age at the Time of Diagnosis is 65
When melanoma is diagnosed, the average age is 65. It’s prevalent in older adults, though it can appear at any age. The best tool for prevention is to protect your skin, go for regular skin checks with a dermatologist, and pay attention to freckles, spots, and moles and watch them for changes.
5. Treatment Options Vary
The treatment for melanoma depends on the cancer’s stage and how far it’s spread. Among the treatment options are surgical removal of the area and its surroundings, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, topical ointments or lotions, and targeted therapy.
Surgery is recommended at any stage. If the cancerous cells are localized to the epidermis, that may be the only treatment needed, but many patients also undergo other treatment options to kill any additional cells.6.
6. Melanomas Can Be Skin Colored
Most people think of melanomas as dark brown or black areas. They can be skin-colored and pale, too.
Your Dad Needs Post-Hospital Care Supporting Him When He Returns Home
Your dad had the melanoma surgically removed and is undergoing radiation and chemo. The chemo and radiation treatments are impacting his energy and he’s always nauseous. When he comes home from the hospital, he’s going to need post-hospital care services.
Arrange the services that will match your dad’s needs at home. If he’s nauseous, he’s going to need someone to bring him drinks to ensure he stays hydrated and meals that are easy on the stomach. He won’t be able to clean his home, shower on his own, or even get to the toilet without assistance.
Post-hospital care keeps him from doing so much that he has to go back to the hospital after a fall or to get fluids and IV infusions. Talk to a post-hospital care specialist and your dad’s doctor to learn more.
If you or someone you know needs help with post-hospital care in Lowell, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
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