Your Self chec™
Skin Cancer Guide
SCROLL DOWN THIS PAGE TO FIND OUT WHEN AND HOW TO CHECK.


The cure rate for skin cancer could be 100 percent if all skin cancers were brought to a doctor’s attention early enough. Exposure to the sun is the main cause of skin cancer.

You are your skin’s best friend. Checking it monthly makes you more familiar with what “normal” looks like, enabling you to notice any changes that may take place.

Remember, changes on your skin are not sure signs of cancer; however, it is important to see a doctor if something doesn’t look right to you.

Set a time each month to check your skin. If you have a Self chec™ caring kit don’t forget to attach a monthly Self chec™ reminder sticker to your date book to remind you to do your monthly Skin and Breast Self-check and call the doctor to schedule your yearly check up.

You can also set up a free monthly reminder on the Self chec™ Web site. It's easy, just click the Green Box on the right and fill in the blanks. Remember, it could save your life.



Beginning at age 20, do a monthly Skin Self-check.
Become familiar with any marks on your skin and watch to see if they change. If they do, see your doctor immediately.

Have your Doctor check your skin and ask how often you should be checked thereafter.

At any age, protect yourself.
If you can’t stay out of the sun, apply a protective sunscreen* rated SPF 15 or higher and wear sunglasses, a hat and protective clothing.
*It’s important to read and follow the directions on the label.

Become familiar with the
A, B, C, D, E 's of Skin cancer
When you do your monthly self-check, follow the A, B, C, D, E's of Skin cancer, (please refer to the gray box at right), as a guide to help you notice some of the early signs of skin cancer. The most common early warning sign is a change on your skin, especially in the form of a new mole, growth or sore that does not heal.

Normal moles are symmetrical, have smooth and even borders, are uniform in color and usually small and round.

Once you’ve learned your A, B, C, D & E’s, you will need to know how to look for them. The following may seem like a lot to do, but the exam should take you no more than five minutes. Remember, it could save your life.

Use the following
Self chec's™ Step-by-Step Guide to
Checking Your Skin
For a thorough self-check you'll need both a full-length and a hand-held mirror. You’ll also need to be in a room with very good lighting. It is probably best to do this before or after a shower or bath.

1) Look in the mirror, check your face (including your eyelids and inside of mouth). 2) While parting your hair with your fingers, hairdryer or hair brush, look into the full-length mirror and use the hand mirror to check your scalp.

3) Continue by checking front and back of the following areas (note: with back to mirror, use hand mirror to inspect the back of these areas) ears, neck and shoulders, upper arms, underarms, elbows, lower arms, chest, genitals, upper legs and back.

MEN: the back is the most common site of melanomas in males — you may need someone to help you here.

WOMEN: don’t forget to check under your breasts.

4) Sitting down, check your hands, including under your nails, lower legs and feet, including soles, heels, between toes and toenails. Continue to use both mirrors to check all areas of your buttocks and genitals.

If you find something suspicious CLICK HERE

This Skin Self-check is not a substitute for seeing your doctor yearly. To be effective, skin cancer early detection must combine 1) Monthly Skin checks and 2) Regular Clinical Exams.

IMPORTANT: The information on the cancer pages of this site was culled by the director of Self chec and initially reviewed by the folks at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, based on the newest information from the national cancer advisory organizations, including, but not limited to, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and American Cancer Society. We recognize that the national cancer advisory organizations sometimes do not agree about specific cancer guidelines, often making it confusing to the public about what to do. That is why we are asking you to err on the side of caution by always consulting a healthcare professional to advise you in the healthy choices you will make. Thank you.

This page was last updated on October 20, 2008

© 2005 All illustrations, Fairman Studios, LLC. All rights reserved.
Illustrations may not be reproduced in any form without the
express consent of Fairman Studios, LLC and Self chec, Inc.

Photography courtesy of The Skin Cancer Foundation