Knowing you should perform a monthly self-skin check is one thing, but feeling confident while doing it is another. With skin cancer being the most common cancer in the U.S., taking a proactive role is one of the best things you can do for your health.
Think of yourself as the captain of your own ship. You’re the first to notice if something is off course. This guide will walk you through a simple routine, turning uncertainty into empowerment.
Your 10-Minute Monthly Health Habit
Early detection is the single most important factor in successfully treating skin cancer. Many skin cancers are first discovered by patients themselves, making this 10-minute habit a powerful addition to your annual professional skin exam.
The Simple Tools You Will Need
You don’t need any special equipment. Just gather these items:
- A well-lit room
- A full-length mirror and a hand mirror
- A chair or stool
- A comb or blow dryer for your scalp
- A notebook or your phone to track any findings.
A 7-Step Head-to-Toe Guide
For best results, perform your check after a shower on clean skin.
- Start at the Top: Use a comb or blow dryer to part your hair and check your entire scalp. Then, examine your face, lips, mouth, and ears, front and back.
- Cover the Core: Scan your neck, chest, and torso. Women should be sure to check the skin underneath their breasts.
- Arms and Hands: Lift your arms to check underarms. Then inspect your palms, the back of your hands, fingers, and under your nails (with polish removed).
- The Back Body: With your back to a large mirror, use the hand mirror to inspect the back of your neck, shoulders, back, and buttocks.
- Legs, Front and Back: Sit down to get a clear view. Check the front of your thighs and shins, then use the hand mirror for your calves and the backs of your thighs.
- Feet and Toes: Finish with a close look at your ankles, the soles of your feet, and the spaces between your toes.
- Hidden Areas: It’s vital to also check areas that don’t see the sun, like your genital area.
What to Look For During Your Exam
As you scan your skin, you’re looking for anything new, changing, or unusual. A helpful method for evaluation is the ABCDEs of Melanoma:
- A – Asymmetry: One half of the spot doesn’t match the other.
- B – Border: The edges are irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined.
- C – Color: The color is uneven, with shades of brown, black, pink, red, or white.
- D – Diameter: The spot is larger than a pencil eraser (6mm).
- E – Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.
Also, trust your instincts with the “Ugly Duckling” rule. If a mole looks different from the others on your body, it warrants a closer look.
You Found a Spot of Concern. What’s Next?
First, do not panic. Most skin spots are harmless. Your job is not to diagnose, but to be aware. The next step is simple: get an expert opinion.
If you see a spot that fits the criteria or just seems off, call a board-certified dermatologist. Schedule your professional skin exam with The Bowman Institute by calling us at 813-977-2040 today.