1. Examine Yourself Every Month
Even if you're not heavily exposed to skin-cancer risk factors, such as constant exposure to sunlight and a family history of melanoma, you should perform a physical examination on your body about once every month. This is particularly important as you age, and it's a habit you should start developing around age 35. You'll need bright lighting, a full-length mirror and a hand mirror for inspecting those tough-to-see places.
Starting with your head, face and neck, look for anything that isn't part of your normal pattern of moles and freckles. Continue down to your chest, breasts, underarms, arms and hands. Don't skim over isolated areas, such as the skin beneath your fingernails. Skin cancers can grow just about anywhere on the surface of your body.
From a seated position, closely examine your lower half. You'll need a hand mirror to inspect the backs of your legs, your buttocks, your lower and upper back and the back of your neck. Many people find it useful to use a hair dryer or comb to check their scalps for suspicious growths.
2. Learn the ABCD Rule of Melanoma Identification
If you find something suspicious, consult your doctor immediately. However, there are some general rules of thumb for identifying skin cancers. Apply the "ABCD rule" "for melanoma. "A" stands for "asymmetry." Melanomas are always misshapen and oblong, with the shape of one side differing noticeably from the shape of the other.
"B" stands for "border." The edges of a melanoma growth look irregular rather than smooth and seamless. They appear cracked and broken like scab tissue. "C" stands for "color." You should have any growth or skin marking that isn't uniform in color checked by a dermatologist. Often, splotches of white, red or blue speckle a melanoma that is predominantly brown or black. "D" stands for "diameter." Early melanoma growths usually measure at least 1/4 inch at their widest points.
3. How to Spot Squamous and Basal Cell Cancers
Squamous and basal cell cancers are usually found on areas of the body that receive prolonged, direct exposure to sunlight. The first sign of a squamous growth is defined by a small, but enlarging lump on the skin. The lump is flat, with an uneven red surface. Basal cell carcinomas frequently feature a depressed area in the center of an otherwise firm, multicolored growth. They tend to bleed when irritated, especially larger ones, and they are relatively easy to spot due to their reflective, translucent surfaces.
4. Learn the Other Possible Early Warning Signs
Actinic keratosis is a precancerous condition caused by overexposure to sunlight. These growths are relatively small and usually pinkish or red, though they often mimic the individual's natural skin tone. These initially benign growths can turn into malignant tumors. If you notice them anywhere on your body, consult a doctor immediately. Your physician may suggest that you have them removed. Also note any changes in moles and existing growths, suspicious, unexplained sores and wounds that do not heal. If it hasn't always been on your skin, tell your doctor.
