Skin Cancer and Your Feet

skin cancer

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and at Goldsmith Podiatry, we think it’s an excellent time for a few reminders before the warmer summer months arrive in Manhattan. Skin cancer is by far the most common type of cancer, and estimates are that one in five adults in the U.S. will get skin cancer by the time they reach the age of 70. Fortunately, even the deadliest type of skin cancer, melanoma, has a very high survival rate (99%) when caught early. 

Self-Exams are Key

The skin on your feet is just as susceptible to skin cancer as the skin on the rest of your body, and yet, people often don’t think to examine their feet when looking for abnormalities that may signal skin cancer. Some warning signs to look for in your feet include:

  • A black or dark spot or line under a toenail.

  • Mole or freckle that appears to be getting larger or changing.

  • Raised lumps on the skin—may look like a wart.

  • Open sores or patches that bleed and scab over.

  • Spots that are itchy, red, or feel tender to the touch.

If you find anything unusual, it’s always best to get it checked. Contact our Upper West Side office by calling 212-877-1002 for an appointment so that one of our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina Ruff can examine your skin and determine if the spot requires additional evaluation.

Protect Your Feet

Be proactive in preventing skin cancer on your feet with these tips:

  • When you expose your feet to the sun, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15. It includes sunny days when you’ll be out running errands or shopping and wearing sandals, not just when you’re at the beach or pool.

  • Reapply sunscreen after swimming or every two hours.

  • Never use a tanning bed.

  • Know your risk: skin cancers, particularly on the feet, may have other sources than sun damage, including exposure to chemicals, viruses, chronic inflammation, and family history. In addition, if you have fair skin, red hair, or have had an organ transplant, you have a higher risk of developing skin cancer.

If you have more questions about skin cancer and your feet, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Foot Health, Skin CancerGoldsmith Podiatryskin cancer awareness month, skin cancer, foot health, sun protection, spf