Preventing heart failure involves addressing the risk factors that can damage the heart and lead to its weakening.

Heart failure is typically classified into four stages (Stage A to Stage D) based on the severity of the condition and symptoms. These stages help doctors determine the appropriate treatment and management plan.

Heart failure usually cannot be fully reversed, but it can be managed. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving the heart’s function. Managing underlying causes like high blood pressure or heart disease, taking medications and making lifestyle changes can improve quality of life and slow the disease’s progression.

If you're going for a skin cancer screening, here's what you can expect:

Talking With Your Doctor

First, your doctor will ask about any changes you've noticed in your skin, like new spots, moles or anything unusual. They might also ask if you have a history of skin cancer in your family or if you’ve had a lot of sun exposure.

Full-Body Check

During the exam, your doctor will closely examine your skin from head to toe. They’ll check moles, freckles and any other spots that might seem suspicious. It’s usually quick and painless. You’ll likely be asked to wear a gown so the doctor can check all areas of your skin, even places you don’t think about, like your scalp, between your toes or the bottoms of your feet.

Dermatoscope

Sometimes, the doctor will use a special magnifying tool called a dermatoscope. It helps them see more detail in spots or moles to determine if something looks unusual.

Biopsy, if Needed

If the doctor finds something concerning, they might recommend a biopsy, which means removing a small bit of skin to send to a lab for testing. Don’t worry — this part is usually quick, and they’ll use a numbing medicine, so you won’t feel much.

Results and Next Steps

If you need a biopsy, your doctor will explain the next steps and review the results with you when they return. If nothing is found, you’ll monitor your skin at home and go back for regular checkups as needed.

Skin cancer can show up in different ways based on the type, but there are some warning signs to watch for. Noticing changes in your skin, especially in moles, spots or areas that don’t seem to heal, is vital. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

• A shiny bump or a pinkish patch, often with tiny blood vessels you can see
• A spot that looks like a scar but isn’t related to any injury
• Sores that come and go but never fully heal
• Raised areas with a slightly pearly surface

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

• A firm, red bump
• A rough, scaly patch that might bleed or become sore
• Flat spots with a dry or scaly surface
• An area that looks like a wound that just won’t heal

Melanoma

• A new mole or a change in an existing one
• Moles with irregular shapes or uneven colors
• A large brown spot with darker areas in it
• A sore that itches, bleeds or just feels different
• Dark spots on your palms, soles or under your nails

Merkel Cell Carcinoma

• A red or purple bump that shows up quickly and grows fast
• Red or purple bumps that appear on areas exposed to the sun, like the face, neck or arms
• Red or purple bumps that are painless but grow faster than most other spots

The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Both of these cancers are often linked to sun exposure and are classified as nonmelanoma skin cancers, meaning they are generally less aggressive than melanoma, which is the more dangerous type of skin cancer.

There are a few things that can increase your chances of developing skin cancer, but knowing these risk factors can help you take steps to protect yourself. Here are some common ones:

• Sun exposure: Spending much time in the sun, especially without sunscreen or other sun protection, can raise your risk. This includes both intense sunburns and long-term exposure over the years. Tanning beds can also increase your chances.
• Fair skin, light hair and light eyes: People with fair skin, blonde or red hair, and blue or green eyes have less melanin, which protects the skin from UV radiation. This doesn’t mean people with darker skin can’t get skin cancer, but those with a fairer skin tone are at higher risk.
• History of sunburns: If you’ve had severe sunburns, especially during childhood, that can increase your risk later in life.
• Family history of skin cancer: If skin cancer runs in your family, you might be more likely to develop it, too. It’s a good idea to let your doctor know if any close relatives have had it.
• A lot of moles or unusual moles: Having many moles or larger and more irregular moles (sometimes called dysplastic or atypical moles) can put you at a higher risk.
• Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems, such as those who have had organ transplants or certain illnesses, are more vulnerable to skin cancer.
• Older age: The risk of skin cancer increases as you get older, simply because of the cumulative exposure to UV rays. But remember, skin cancer can develop at any age.
• Exposure to certain chemicals: Some substances, like arsenic and long-term radiation exposure, can increase the risk of skin cancer.

Supporting long-term heart health for your child involves promoting a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, along with encouraging regular physical activity and limiting sedentary time. Regular checkups are critical to recognizing potential heart problem symptoms.

Educating your child about heart-healthy habits and providing emotional support within the family are important, along with setting a good example by adopting healthy behaviors as a family.

Learn more in our parents’ guide to pediatric heart health.