Millions of people lose their lives to cancer every year. Of these deaths, thousands are a result of skin cancer and melanoma, emphasizing the need for regular skin checks. While, indeed, cancer is a scourge, there are ways to keep one step ahead of skin cancer risk. Having a skin check is one such way to perform self-exams regularly.
A skin check is a regular examination of your skin by a doctor to look for any unusual changes or signs of skin cancer. Here are a few ways this check can save your life, primarily through early skin cancer detection.
Early Detection
The thing about skin cancer is that it often sneaks up without any loud warning signs. Early detection can differentiate between an easy-to-treat condition and a serious health battle. Usually, this may include a simple biopsy procedure and a high rate of successful treatment for skin cancer.
To get started with your regular skin checks, it may be a good idea to pay skin check Gold Coast experts or other skin care pros you know a visit. These experts will examine your skin carefully. If they see any signs of cancer, they’ll inform you of the next steps. If not, they’ll advise you on the best way to keep your skin healthy. Either way, it’s a win.
Identifying Changes
Now, becoming familiar with your skin might sound like advice you’d give to a teenager worried about acne, but it’s crucial for identifying any type of skin cancer. But it’s a vital step in skin cancer screening to spot trouble signs early.
Here’s how you can do it: Set aside time to scan your body thoroughly once a month. Look for new moles or growths, changes in mole shape, color, or texture, and whether one half of a mole or birthmark doesn’t match the other.
It would help if you also kept an eye out for irregular borders, shades of brown, tan, black, red, white, or blue, or any mole that looks different from the others or is changing in size, shape, or color.
Professional Assessment
A dermatologist can spot abnormalities or suspicious details in moles and spots that could quickly go unnoticed during self-exams at home. For instance, imagine you’ve found a small, irregular spot on your shoulder during a self-exam. It looks odd, but you’re unsure if it’s serious.
A dermatologist can assess it with their specialized equipment and expertise. Sometimes they might even take a small sample (a biopsy) to get a clearer picture of what’s going on.
You shouldn’t take this professional assessment lightly because some skin cancers, like melanoma, can grow in tricky spots or resemble regular moles, making regular skin checks essential. Having someone who knows what to look for can help find skin cancer early.
True, a dermatologist’s input regarding your skin’s well-being and finding skin cancer early cannot be overstated. But you don’t always have to wait for the doctor’s visits; you can check your skin regularly at home. You can still do a skin check at home.
How to Conduct a Skin Check at Home
Conducting a skin check at home is a smart way to stay on top of your health. It’s easy, quick, and you can do it in the privacy of your own home. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it effectively:
Set Up a Good Environment
First, you need good lighting. Daylight is best, but if that’s not possible, use a bright room light. Have a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror to help you see those hard-to-reach areas. Make sure you have privacy and time to do a thorough check without rushing.
Check Your Face
Examining your nose, lips, mouth, and ears. Look for any new growths, changes in existing moles, or sores that don’t heal.
Inspect Your Scalp
Using a comb, part your hair to move it out of the way to check your scalp. This area can be tricky, so a hand-held mirror or asking someone to help can make it easier. Look for any unusual patches or moles.
Check Your Hands
Include the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your fingernails. Skin cancer can appear in places you might not expect.
Torso and Back
For the torso, check your neck, chest, and abdomen. Women should check under the breasts. Use a hand-held mirror to inspect your back or have a partner help with this.
Lower Body
Sit down and check your legs, including the thighs, shins, tops of your feet, between your toes, and under your toenails. Don’t forget to check the soles of your feet and your buttocks.
Document and Track
If you can, take photos of anything suspicious, or keep a written record of your findings. This can help you track changes over time and provide valuable information to your dermatologist.
While this check is no substitute for a professional examination, it can alert you to potential issues early. This can give you the best chance for successful treatment.
In Closing
A skin check for cancer comes with huge advantages for your health. That’s why you shouldn’t take it lightly. Set a time and do the checks yourself. Also, remember to visit the experts at least once a year to get their outlook. If you’re at risk of skin cancer, make it sooner. This proactive approach to your wellbeing can help you lead a beautiful and healthy life.
