When should I
check?
Checking your skin on a regular basis is
important, and you should try and get
into a routine of doing a thorough check
every 12 weeks.
An ideal time to do it is after a
shower.
Do I need anything?
It is important that you have good
lighting, a full length mirror (as well
as a small hand mirror) can go a long
way in helping you check your skin.
How do I check?
The simplest way to check is to work
your way from the top of your body, to
your feet, starting with your face, and
remembering to do the front and back of
your whole body.
It is important to check less visible
areas like your scalp, armpits, and for
women, under the breasts, and even under
your nails. Skin cancers can occur
anywhere on your body.
It is very important to examine your
genital and buttock region (you might
like to sit in a chair in front of a
mirror to do this), or alternatively,
get a friend of
partner to check these areas for you.
When it comes to skin cancer, prevention
and early detection are the key. Make
sure you always cover up and check your
skin regularly. |
 |
 Any
new or unusual freckles, moles, sores or
sunspots on your skin may be cancerous. It's
important to note that early detection of
all forms of skin cancer leads to a cure in
95% of cases.
By regularly checking your skin you will
recognise what spots are normal as well as
notice any changes.
What am I looking for?
 Keep
an eye out for a spot that has changed
colour, size, or shape over the last few
weeks or months. You should also take note
of a pimple or bump that does not seem to
heal.
Likewise, dry, patchy skin that bleeds
easily or ulcerates if left untreated can be
skin cancer.
Asymmetric spots, spots with smudgy borders
or spots that are more than one colour
(usually black, brown but sometimes red,
blue or purple) should also be checked out
by your doctor.
If you have questions or concerns, you can
contact us to make an appointment. |
