Performing a self-exam for skin cancer
Skin cancer is one of the most pervasive types of cancer in society. It accounts for the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer and is present in as many as a million Americans alone. Luckily, it is also one of the easiest types of cancer to treat. Of the three types of skin cancer, only one is known to commonly result in death, and even that type (melanoma) can be treated when diagnosed early. To that end, it is of utmost importance to ensure that your body is healthy and cancer-free. It is highly recommended to perform a self examination of your body at least once in every month, to ensure that you can catch any problems before they develop further, and possibly spread to other parts of the body, as melanoma often does.
When performing a self test, it is best to conduct it after you get out of the shower or bath. This ensures that the skin is clean and smooth, so that you don’t miss any aberrations that may be present. For males, it is also recommended to perform a testicular self-exam once a month and combining these two important tests can save you time. For women, checking for breast cancer once per month is of utmost importance, and consolidating the two tests is recommended. In the ideal setting for a self-exam for skin cancer, you should have bright lighting and a full length mirror. Not a single stone should be unturned when you conduct the test; be sure to check even the most hard to see areas, including the genitals, the buttocks, the top of your head and the entire span of your back. If necessary, get a hand mirror so that you can reflect it into the full length mirror to eye hard-to-see spots on your body. If there is any spot that you cannot see yourself, don’t disregard the idea. Find someone that you trust and have them help you to perform the examination. Shyness should be disregarded when it comes to your personal health.
When checking for skin cancer, note any new markings that may be present on your skin. This includes blemishes, any discoloration of the skin, bumps of any sort and moles. If you have moles already present, be sure to examine them to ensure that they have not changed in size, shape, color or feel. Problem moles commonly are assymetrical, and can have ragged edges and different colors than the other moles present on your body. If you have moles or lesions that don’t seem to heal, it is important to note as well. If you happen to find any differences in your body, take careful note of where they are and what they are so that you can relay the information to your health care professional. If any significant difference is noted, it is key to your health to visit a doctor directly. The earlier skin cancer is detected, the more likely you are to be able to treat it successfully.
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