A to Z Disease

Overview

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The key to successful treatment, though, is early detection which can be achieved through regular skin exams.

When to Perform A Skin Self Exam

You should perform a self skin exam every month. The best time is just after a shower or bath, and the goal is to get to know your body. It's also a good idea to teach young children how important it is that they get to know their bodies too. You'll need to check all parts of your body, even those that don't normally see any sunlight. Skin cancer can develop in areas that are usually covered, and also in people with dark skin. In fact some skin cancer is not always related to sun exposure.

What to Look For

During the exam, remember the ABCDEs. These are guidelines to help you determine whether a spot or bump may be something that should be checked by your doctor.

A. Stands for 'Asymmetry.' - Does your freckly or mole look uneven?

B. Stands for 'Border Irregularity.' - Are the edges irregular?

C. Stands for 'Color Variation.' - Are you seeing multiple colors within the lesion?

D. Stands for 'Diameter.' - Is it wider than 6mm?

E. Stands for 'Enlargement' or 'Evolution.' - Is the color, size or symptom changed?

In addition to the ABCDEs, you should also look for the following:

* A new mole
* Spots that itch, burn or bleed
* Red or dark colored flaky patch that is new
* New firm, flesh colored bump
* A sore that doesn't heal

If you do find a new spot on your body, or see that an existing mole or freckle has changed, it doesn't mean that you have cancer. But, you should get it checked out by your primary doctor or dermatologist.

How to Perform A Skin Self Exam

In order to perform a self skin exam, you'll need both a full length mirror and a handheld mirror for checking hard to see spots.

* Check your head. You should start with your head, checking your face, neck and ears. Be sure to check areas that are most exposed to the sun. It's also important to check your scalp. It may be helpful to use a comb or hairdryer to help part the hair so you can see the skin underneath.
* Look at your upper body. Step back and look at the front of your upper body, checking your shoulders and down to your waist. Then, turn around and look at the upper part of your back with a hand mirror. Again, check from your shoulders down to your waist. Now, lift one arm up and look at your side, including your armpit. Then repeat the process on the other side.
* Examine your arms. Bend your elbows, bringing your hands close to your face. Check your hands, fingernails and palms. Then move up the arm looking at the forearm, and remembering to look at both the top and bottom of the arm. Continue moving upwards to the upper arms (you may need the mirror here). Look at both the outer and under areas of the arms noting any changes.
* Examine your legs. The legs and upper back are the areas most prone to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, so it's important to be thorough here. In the mirror, look at both the front and back or your legs. Also check the area around the buttocks and genitals. Remember, skin cancers can even develop in areas that don't see much sun.
* Look at your feet. It's probably easier to sit down while you're doing this step. Look at both the top and bottom of your feet, and don't forget to check in the space between the toes. This step is especially important for people of color. Sixty percent of melanoma cases in African Americans occur on the feet.

A monthly skin self exam is easy and could save your life through the early detection of skin cancer.