Comprehensive Guide to Self-Checking for Skin Cancer in Australia
When it comes to addressing skin cancer, early detection is crucial for successful treatment. By conducting regular skin cancer self-checks, you can become familiar with the moles and blemishes on your skin and stay alert to any suspicious changes.
Additionally, performing a self-exam before your professional skin check can help you highlight areas of concern to your skin cancer specialist right away.
How to Perform a Skin Cancer Self-Check
1. Use a Full-Length Mirror: Start with a full-length mirror to inspect your face, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and torso. Utilize a hand mirror to check harder-to-see areas like your back, buttocks, and the back of your legs.
2. SCAN your spots: Use SCAN method to self-check for any signs of skin cancer:
Most people develop all their moles by the age of 40. A new mole after this age is more suspicious, and the older you are, the more cautious you should be about new moles.
3. Check Sun-Exposed Areas: Carefully examine sun-exposed parts of the body such as your face, ears, neck, shoulders, back, legs, and arms.
4. Inspect Hidden Areas:Use a mirror to examine the soles of your feet, between your toes, and under your finger and toenails.
5. Seek Help: Ask a family member or partner to help inspect difficult-to-see areas like your back and scalp.
6. Document Changes: Take photos of any concerning spots and track changes over time.
How often should I self-check my skin for cancer?
A full-body skin self-exam is recommended once per month to check for signs of skin cancer.
What to Do if You Find Something Concerning?
If you find a suspicious spot or mole, see your skin cancer doctor for a “spot check” or a full skin check. Familiarize yourself with the moles and spots on your skin, and regularly check your own skin and that of your partner.
Do I still need a professional to check my skin?
Self-exams are not a substitute for regular total body skin exams performed by a Skin Cancer Specialist. Professional checks are essential for a comprehensive evaluation.
Booking an Appointment
Visit our website to book an appointment or consult with our skin specialists for a skin examination.
You can reduce the risk of serious skin cancer by following these tips. Check your skin regularly. This way, you can get treatment when necessary. Remember, being vigilant and proactive can make a considerable difference in managing your skin health.
When it comes to addressing skin cancer, early detection is crucial for successful treatment. By conducting regular skin cancer self-checks, you can become familiar with the moles and blemishes on your skin and stay alert to any suspicious changes.
Additionally, performing a self-exam before your professional skin check can help you highlight areas of concern to your skin cancer specialist right away.
How to Perform a Skin Cancer Self-Check
1. Use a Full-Length Mirror: Start with a full-length mirror to inspect your face, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and torso. Utilize a hand mirror to check harder-to-see areas like your back, buttocks, and the back of your legs.
2. SCAN your spots: Use SCAN method to self-check for any signs of skin cancer:
Most people develop all their moles by the age of 40. A new mole after this age is more suspicious, and the older you are, the more cautious you should be about new moles.
3. Check Sun-Exposed Areas: Carefully examine sun-exposed parts of the body such as your face, ears, neck, shoulders, back, legs, and arms.
4. Inspect Hidden Areas:Use a mirror to examine the soles of your feet, between your toes, and under your finger and toenails.
5. Seek Help: Ask a family member or partner to help inspect difficult-to-see areas like your back and scalp.
6. Document Changes: Take photos of any concerning spots and track changes over time.
How often should I self-check my skin for cancer?
A full-body skin self-exam is recommended once per month to check for signs of skin cancer.
What to Do if You Find Something Concerning?
If you find a suspicious spot or mole, see your skin cancer doctor for a “spot check” or a full skin check. Familiarize yourself with the moles and spots on your skin, and regularly check your own skin and that of your partner.
Do I still need a professional to check my skin?
Self-exams are not a substitute for regular total body skin exams performed by a Skin Cancer Specialist. Professional checks are essential for a comprehensive evaluation.
Booking an Appointment
Visit our website to book an appointment or consult with our skin specialists for a skin examination.
You can reduce the risk of serious skin cancer by following these tips. Check your skin regularly. This way, you can get treatment when necessary. Remember, being vigilant and proactive can make a considerable difference in managing your skin health.
