Tips for skin self-exams
By Dr. Ali Hendi
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in his of her lifetime, and one person dies from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, every hour.
In recognition of Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May, the American Academy of Dermatology is encouraging the public to learn how to detect skin cancer early, when it’s most treatable. The campaign aims to save lives by teaching the public how to identify the warning signs of melanoma, perform a skin self-exam, and find free skin cancer screenings in their area.
Skin cancer is one of the few cancers you can see with the naked eye. Yet sadly, many people don’t know how to be their own hero when it comes to skin cancer, including what to look for on their skin or when to see a board-certified dermatologist.
To increase their chances of spotting skin cancer early, when it’s most treatable, everyone should check their skin for the ABCDEs of melanoma, the warning signs of this disease:
—A is for asymmetry: One half of the spot is unlike the other half.
—B is for border: The spot has an irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined border.
—C is for color: The spot has varying colors from one area to the next, such as shades of tan, brown, or black, or areas of white, red, or blue.
—D is for diameter: While melanomas are usually greater than 6 millimeters when diagnosed, about the size of a pencil eraser, they can be smaller.
—E is for evolving: The spot looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color. Even if you don’t have any other symptoms, see a board-certified dermatologist if you notice one of these signs or notice an existing mole start to evolve or change in any way.
When detected early, skin cancer, including melanoma, is highly treatable, making it imperative to check your skin regularly. It only takes a few minutes to check your skin, and it could save your life.
Try following these tips for skin self-exams:
—Examine your entire body, front and back, using a full-length mirror. Then look at your right and left sides with your arms raised.
—Bend your elbows and look carefully at your forearms, underarms, and palms.
—Look at the backs of your legs and feet, the spaces between your toes, and the soles of your feet. Check your fingernails and toenails; however, make sure to remove any nail polish first.
—Examine the back of your neck and scalp with a hand mirror. Part your hair for a closer look.
—Finally, check your back and buttocks with a hand mirror. Consider asking a partner to help as another set of eyes can be helpful for checking the back and other hard-to-see areas.
While performing a skin self-exam, keep in mind that skin cancer can develop anywhere on the skin, not just in areas that are exposed to the sun. If you notice any new spots on your skin, scalp, or nails that look different from other spots on your body or spots that are changing, itching, or bleeding, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.
To learn more about how to detect skin cancer, visit spotskincancer.org for valuable information and resources on skin cancer prevention and detection.
Dr. Ali Hendi is a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington.
