February 4 is World Cancer Day

In the year 2000, the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), a non-partisan, non-governmental organization with over 1,000 member organizations from over 150 countries, set aside February 4 as World Cancer Day, a day to raise awareness about cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. According to the National Cancer institute of the National Institutes of Health, the nation’s most common forms of cancer occur in the breasts, followed by the prostate and the lungs. When you think of cancer, you may not think of your feet, but they are not immune. The skin on your feet is at much at risk of melanoma and other skin cancers as any other skin on your body. The best way to stay safe is with regular visits to an expert foot doctor like Cook County podiatrist Dr. Stavros O. Alexopoulos.

When you see your podiatrist, your visit will begin much as any other medical appointment. Your doctor will ask questions about your medical history, including your family history, any past illnesses or surgeries, and what medications your take regularly. Your podiatrist will also ask about any symptoms you might be experiencing including the heel pain that can indicate plantar fasciitis.

Then your doctor will carefully examine your feet, ankles, and lower legs, looking for changes to foot shape such as developing bunions or hammertoes or other issues like ingrown toenails

or plantar warts. This part of your examination will also include a careful examination of the skin on your feet to take note of any signs of skin cancer. These symptoms are known by the acronym ABCDE, to stand for asymmetry, borders, color, diameter, and evolving. Moles that are different on one side than the other, that have irregular borders, include more than one color, are larger than a pencil eraser, or that have changed over time require further action. A simple, painless, in-office biopsy used to remove some cells are then tested by a laboratory for diagnosis.

If your mole is cancerous or pre-cancerous, surgery to remove it is necessary. Your podiatrist is an expert in these procedures and is the best-qualified doctor to perform your operation. After your surgery, you will need to use crutches for a few days, and to wear a special shoe or boot for a few weeks.

Are you worried about cancer, or do you have another concern about the health and wellness of your feet, ankles, or lower legs? Call the friendly My Chicago Foot Expert staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule an appointment with Cook county podiatrist  Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.