A Simple Guide to Self-Examining for Skin Cancer
With skin cancer being one of the most common types of cancer, it’s crucial to check your skin regularly for early signs. Catching skin cancer early can make a huge difference in treatment success, and a self-exam is one of the best ways to stay proactive. This guide will walk you through the process, helping you understand what to look for and how to keep track of changes in your skin.
1. Why Self-Exams Matter
Skin cancer, including melanoma and non-melanoma types, can often be identified by changes in your skin. Regular self-examinations can help you spot unusual moles, spots, or lesions early, when treatment is most effective. Experts recommend checking your skin once a month, especially if you have a family history of skin cancer or a lot of sun exposure.
2. What to Look For
It can be tough for anyone without medical training to recognise skin cancers. To help increase public awareness on identifying skin cancer, we’ve created Facebook and Instagram pages that show real cases of skin cancer. Check them out to get familiar with what skin cancer can look like and learn more about spotting the warning signs.
https://www.facebook.com/spotskincancer/
https://www.instagram.com/spotskincancer/
3. How to Perform a Self-Examination
To conduct a thorough self-exam, set aside about 10-15 minutes. You’ll need a full-length mirror, a hand mirror, and good lighting.
Step 1: Start with Your Face and Scalp
- Check your face, especially areas around the nose, lips, and ears. Use a hand mirror to inspect your ears.
- For the scalp, use a comb to part your hair in sections so you can see the skin more clearly. Consider asking for help from someone if possible.
Step 2: Examine Your Upper Body
- Look at your neck, chest, and torso. For women, lift the breasts to check underneath.
- Use the full-length mirror to check your underarms, shoulders, and upper arms.
Step 3: Inspect Your Hands and Nails
- Look closely at both sides of your hands, including the palms and the backs. Don’t forget the spaces between your fingers and under your nails, as skin cancer can sometimes develop in these areas.
Step 4: Move to Your Lower Body
- Use the mirror to check your abdomen, thighs, and lower legs.
- Sit down and examine your feet, including the tops, soles, spaces between the toes, and under the toenails.
Step 5: Use the Hand Mirror for Hard-to-See Areas
- For areas like the lower back and the back of your neck, hold a hand mirror to see your reflection in the full-length mirror.
- Don’t forget to check your buttocks and the backs of your legs.
4. Keep Track of Your Findings
Consider keeping a journal or taking photos of any spots you’re monitoring. This way, you can track changes over time and share them with your doctor if needed.
5. When to See a Doctor
If you notice any spots that look like those shown on our Facebook or Instagram posts, or if you find any moles or patches of skin that change, itch, or bleed, make an appointment with a Sun Cancer Doctor. Even if the change seems small, it’s best to get it checked as soon as possible.
6. Preventative Tips
While self-exams are important, preventing skin damage is equally crucial. Here are some tips to protect your skin:
- Wear sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days.
- Cover up with hats, sunglasses, and clothing when in the sun for long periods.
- Avoid tanning beds, as they can increase the risk of skin cancer.
- Stay in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
Final Thoughts
By making a self-skin examination part of your routine, you can become familiar with your skin and more likely to notice any changes. A little diligence can go a long way in protecting your health, and early detection is key to effectively treating skin cancer. If you have any doubts or concerns, consult a Sun Cancer Doctors to stay on top of your skin health. Remember, it’s always better to be cautious!
