Could this be cancer

[mkjmommy3]

Hi, I am a 37 yr old woman, fairly healthy, but am a smoker (I have been trying to quit but am having difficulty being in nursing school).  I lived at the beach my whole life, and was definitely not careful about sunscreen.  I have moved to AZ and developed a photosensitivity (I get bumps and pruritis every time I go in the sun for too long), and I have had this happen about 10 times in the past year. Anyway, I noticed this tiny black mark on my face a week or two ago.  I tried to pcik it, thinking it was a big blackhead.  It's black and a little bigger than a pencil point.  It's too small to tell if it has irregular borders, but I don't think it does, and it's not raised.  Could this be cancer?  My mom died from lung cancer last year, and I am terrified.  Also, if I quit smoking this summer, is it still early enough to possible\y save me from cancer (I have smoked a pack a day for 20 yrs).  Any advive would be appreciated.

[WTL]

I've just been diagnosed with melonoma, and mine appeared out of nowhere just like yours. That's how melanoma usually appears, so it's not a good sign. The good part is the size of yours - melanoma usually starts at the size of a pencil eraser, not point. If it is melanoma, an early start on stopping it is essential. I waited a few months because I wasn't sure if the mole had already been there for a long time or if it was new - but I hadn't noticed it before. Now I'm worried it has spread, though my PET/CT scan says it probably hasn't. Early detection is essential. Please see a doctor ASAP.

[mkjmommy3]

Thanks so much for the advice.

[Pum]

It isn't likely to be cancer if it only turned up two weeks ago. It might be black from blood. Give it another month and if it is still there then see a doctor.

I believe you get health benefits from quitting smoking no matter what your age but if you quit before 35 (or was it 30) then you have the same risks as if you'd never smoked. So do it soon. You can do it. You're young enough to cut your odds right down so don't think of cancer as inevitable. That will just sap your motivation if you think you're destined to get cancer.

Take care.