Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and affects millions of people worldwide. However, detecting it early can help prevent it from spreading and becoming more serious.

This is why it’s important to regularly examine your skin for signs of skin cancer. Here are six steps you can take to perform a self-examination of your skin:.

Step 1: Check Your Entire Body

Start by standing in front of a full-length mirror and examining your entire body. Check every area of skin, including your scalp, neck, face, ears, chest, abdomen, back, arms, legs, and feet.

Look closely at any moles, birthmarks, or freckles you may have.

Step 2: Examine Your Hands and Feet

Next, examine the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet, including the spaces between your fingers and toes. Use a hand mirror to help you see hard-to-reach areas.

Step 3: Look for Changes in Your Skin

While examining your skin, look for any changes in the size, shape, color, or texture of moles, birthmarks, or freckles. Also, look for any new spots or growths on your skin that were not there before.

Step 4: Check for Specific Signs of Skin Cancer

There are specific signs of skin cancer that you should look for during your self-examination. These include:.

Asymmetry: One half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other half.
Border irregularity: The edges of a mole or birthmark are ragged, notched, or blurred.
Color: The color of a mole or birthmark is not uniform. It may be varied shades of brown, black, tan, red, pink, or white.
Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters in diameter (about the size of a pencil eraser).
Evolving: The mole or birthmark is changing in size, shape, or color.
Itching or bleeding: The spot may itch, bleed, or scab over and not heal.

Step 5: Take Note of Your Family and Personal History

Take note of your family and personal history of skin cancer. If you have a family history of skin cancer or have had skin cancer in the past, you are at a higher risk of developing it again in the future.

This means you should be extra vigilant in your self-examination and get regular check-ups from a dermatologist.

Step 6: Protect Your Skin

Prevention is key when it comes to skin cancer. Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by wearing protective clothing, sunscreen, and avoiding being in the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

If you do spend time in the sun, make sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours and stay hydrated.

Conclusion

Performing a regular self-examination of your skin can help you detect skin cancer early and prevent it from becoming more serious. Be sure to follow the six steps listed above and take note of any changes in your skin.

Remember, prevention is key, so protect your skin from harmful UV rays and take care of it every day.