As mentioned in our previous blog, anyone can get skin cancer. Therefore, it is extremely important to protect against getting the disease. The good news, though, is that skin cancer is actually one of the easiest cancers to detect. That’s because skin cancer usually begins where you can see it. The best way to detect skin cancer is to regularly examine yourself. A short video and tips from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) show you how to check your skin and what to look for during your self-exam. Additionally, using a body mole map can help you document your self-exam, and getting in the habit of regularly checking your skin – say monthly – will help you notice changes in moles or other parts of your skin.
Skin cancer appears on the body in many different ways. It can look like a changing mole or a mole that looks different from your others, a dome-shaped growth, or a non-healing sore or sore that heals and returns, among other appearances. To help you spot skin cancer early, the AAD recommends that everyone learn the ABCDEs of skin cancer.
A stands for Asymmetry
B stands for Border
C stands for Color
D stands for Diameter
E stands for Evolving
The purpose of the self-exam is not to substitute for the medical expertise of a dermatologist but, rather, to help you detect changes in your skin that may be early signs of skin cancer. If you notice any changes, such as those noted above, make an appointment to see a dermatologist. You may need to get a referral from your primary care physician and/or to contact your insurance for prior authorization, but you can use the AAD website to find a dermatologist or skin cancer screening in your area.
It’s important to note that you can feel well but still have skin cancer. While you can’t see all the sun damage on your skin, it’s essential to check the spots you can see – before it’s too late. You can detect skin cancer early, when it’s most treatable, by regularly examining your skin. If you see a suspicious spot on your skin, see a dermatologist.
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