Skin Self-Check

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Forty years ago, we didn't know sun exposure causes skin cancer. Now baby boomers and their parents are paying for hours spent on the beach. Every year, 9000 Americans die of skin cancer, making it the most common form of cancer. Skin examinations can catch it before it spreads.

Who needs it Anyone who's been in the sun, particularly people at high risk for skin cancer (those with fair skin, light hair, freckles and who have skin cancer in the family). If you're over age 40, check your own skin monthly and have a dermatologist check it at least once a year.

How it's done Here's what you should look for in a self-exam:

  • Any ulcer or skin wound that doesn't heal within six weeks
  • Any lump or growth that bleeds persistently
  • Any suspicious, shiny, firm, or raised skin growth (especially if it seems to have enlarged since your last check)
  • Any red, scaly, encrusted surface of the skin that itches and doesn't seem to be healing
  • Any mole that itches, is tender, or has changed in size, color, or shape

    Do this ABCD check for all moles:

  • Asymmetry: The two halves don't match
  • Border irregularity: The edges appear to be jagged
  • Color: The color isn't uniform
  • Diameter: It's more than one-quarter inch wide

    Check yourself in front of a full-length mirror, using a hand mirror to view your back. Use a blow-dryer to separate your hair so you can check your scalp.

    What the results mean If you notice anything suspicious, see a dermatologist right away. He or she can examine your entire body, remove any suspicious growths, and send the tissue to a lab for examination.

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