WEBVTT FILE

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If you're worried about
your upcoming skin cancer

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surgery, that's
absolutely normal.

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After all, you don't
have surgery every day.

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To help ease your mind,
try to focus on the

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positive: Having surgery
will remove the cancer and

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stop it from spreading.

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That's definitely
a good thing!

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Knowing what to expect can
also help you feel less

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anxious and
better prepared.

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Here are the facts behind
some common concerns about

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skin cancer surgery.

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Will I have a scar?

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Truth is, you'll likely
have a scar after surgery.

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What it'll look like
depends on many things,

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like the type of surgery
you have and the size and

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location of your cancer.

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Talk with your healthcare
provider about what you

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can expect.

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And remember: Any scarring
will get better over time

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as your skin heals.

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And you can help with
the healing process.

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Care for your wound per
your healthcare provider's

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directions.

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That may include things
like limiting certain

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activities and protecting
your skin from the sun.

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What about the
risks of surgery?

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All surgeries have some
risks, like the chance for

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an infection and bleeding.

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You may also have other
risks depending on the

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type of surgery you have.

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These may include
pain, numbness, or skin

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stretching.

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Keep in mind, your
provider has done lots of

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these surgeries and knows
exactly how to keep you

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safe and healthy.

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You can do your part, too,
by following all pre- and

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post-surgery instructions.

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And if you have any
questions, ask away!

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What if the
cancer comes back?

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Sometimes, skin
cancer can reoccur.

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It may show up again
in the same place or

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somewhere else
on your body.

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That's certainly
unnerving to think about.

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If you feel scared or
worried about getting

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cancer again, be kind to
yourself and tell your

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care team.

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They can help you cope
with your emotions.

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Also know that there's
lots you can do to prevent

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the cancer from
coming back.

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Keep all follow-up
appointments with your

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healthcare provider.

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Regularly check your
skin for changes.

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Tell your provider right
away if you notice any

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changes.

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Always wear a
broad-spectrum sunscreen.

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And do your best to limit
your time in the sun.

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Still have questions
or concerns?

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Your care team
is here to help.

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Get in touch to learn more
about what you can do to

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make sure your
surgery goes smoothly.