Self examination is a great way to monitor your body's overall health, but it is also a perfect way to detect if skin cancer is present.
Moles are very common for people of all ages and new ones can appear on the skin up to 40 years of age. However,
if a mole is changing with color, texture or sensitivity, this could be a sign of skin cancer.
A majority of non-melanoma skin cancers are detected by friends and family members in more than 75 percent of skin cancer patients. Through early
detection, skin cancers can be diagnosed with quicker treatment responses.
Steps for self-examinations:
- Stand in-front of a full-length mirror in a brightly lit room
- Look over the front and back of the entire body carefully, followed by the right and left sides with your arms raised
- Bend your elbows and look carefully at the outer and inner forearms as well as your hands
- Examine all sides of your feet including the soles and spaces between your toes
- Part your hair and check the back of your neck (if possible, ask another person to check your scalp for signs)
- With a hand mirror, check the back, genital area and buttocks
If you notice a new growth or mole, open sores that don’t close or any other abnormal changes in your skin; contact a dermatologist for further evaluation.