Perfecting the art of the self-skin exam

We often hear about the importance of doing routine self-exams to check for serious diseases like breast cancer. But did you know that you should be doing the same for skin cancer?

Healthcare professionals agree that we need to be extremely proactive when it comes to skin cancer. Sun protection is key to prevent future damage, but for adults, most of the damage is already done. The best way to prevent a pre-cancerous lesion from becoming cancer or stop the early stages of skin cancer from spreading is early detection.

With a growing number of skin cancer diagnoses in the United States, every adult should perform a detailed monthly skin exam. Here’s how:

1. Once a month, as you step out of the bath or shower, look yourself over from head to toe in a wall mirror.
2. Next, take a hand-held mirror and by reflecting the image off the wall mirror, exam the back of your neck, back, buttocks and legs.
3. Don’t forget to look at your hands and feet – including between the toes.
4. Take note of any moles, freckles, lumps or bumps. If anything looks concerning or appears to be changing, speak to your doctor – you’re always better safe than sorry.

Your guide to self-care

The list below is a guide for all unusual or suspicious spots that should be examined by a skin care professional:

• Pre-cancerous lesion (Actinic Keratosis) is a scaly spot on sun-exposed skin (feels like sand paper to the touch).
   
• Basal Cell Carcinoma is a waxy or shiny bump that may have apparent blood vessels or a pimple that doesn’t go away.
   
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a thick scaly lesion with a hard rough surface that may look like a wart
   
• Melanoma is an irregular mole, brown spot or growth on the skin. To detect it, remember A, B, C, D, E:

A = Asymmetry

B = Borders

C = Color

D = Diameter (Greater than 6mm)

E = Evolving

Any dark spot or mole with an (A) asymmetric shape, (B) irregular border, (C) variation in color, is (D) greater than 6mm across, or that is (E) evolving (changing) should be looked at by a skin care professional.

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer over the course of a lifetime. Thoroughly examining your skin each month can save your life. If you find anything suspicious or unusual, seek professional treatment.

Skin cancer is treatable and beatable!