Melanomas are not new for my family. Both my father and sister have had them. My father had a tumor the size of a football removed from his back. Seven hours of surgery and out it went. He has been cancer free for over ten years. We are very blessed.
My sister thankfully has always been diligent about doing regular checks of her moles especially after what happened to my father. She found a suspicious mole underneath her middle toe and went to have it checked out. As it turns out, it was a melanoma and the toe had to go!
I share these stories with you for several reasons. First of all, my father and sister were not sun worshipers. Second of all, there was no history of skin cancer in my family before my father. My sister never went out in the sun. Last but not least, if you think that you’re safe even where the sun don’t shine, think again. My sister’s toes never saw much sun, especially not the bottom of her toes, yet that is where she developed a melanoma.
Self-Examination: How to Check for Skin Cancer and Melanomas
It is highly recommended that you see a dermatologist at least once a year. If you have a family history of skin cancer, you may want to go every six months. Ask your dermatologist how often you should perform a self-exam for any signs of skin cancer and be sure to consult with him/her if you notice anything suspicious. The Body Mole Map below will help you track any changes.
Follow the simple steps below and track them so that if you were to develop skin cancer, it can be diagnosed early.
Image courtesy of American Academy of Dermatology
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Examine your body front and back in the mirror, then look at the right and left sides with your arms raised. | |
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Bend elbows and look carefully at forearms, upper underarms and palms. | |
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Look at the backs of your legs and feet, the spaces between your toes, and the soles of your feet. | |
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Examine the back of your neck and scalp with a hand mirror. Part hair for a closer look. | |
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Finally, check your back and buttocks with a hand mirror. |
What Signs to Look for When Your Check for Skin Cancer and Melanomas: The ABCDEs of Skin Cancer
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A = Asymmetry One half is unlike the other half. |
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B = Border An irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border. |
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C = Color Is varied from one area to another; has shades of tan, brown or black, or is sometimes white, red, or blue. |
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D = Diameter Melanomas are usually greater than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, but they can be smaller. |
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| E = Evolving A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color. Image courtesy of American Academy of Dermatology |
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Great Resources from the American Academy of Dermatology
Don’t be one out of five Americans to develop skin cancer or one out of fifty to develop a melanoma. Make it a habit to check your skin for any changes and see your dermatologist on a regular basis and if you notice anything suspicious. ” An once of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Benjamin Franklin
This is a great article. My father in law had skin cancer when he was younger, and my mother goes in regularly to have her skin checked. She’s had a couple things removed that were “precancerous”. I have extremely fair skin and burn very easily. I’m hoping it never results in anything, but having this information will definitely help! Thanks!
Thanks Christie. I’m glad your mother gets regular check ups. I know what you mean about being fair and burning easily. That was the story of my life. Now, I just wear protective clothing and try to limit my sun exposure to no more than 20 minutes a day. Best of health to you and your family!