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Skin Self-Examination

How to perform a skin self-examination:

Finding suspicious moles or skin cancer early is the key to treating skin cancer successfully. A skin self-examination is usually the first step in detecting skin cancer. The following suggested method of self-examination is from the American Cancer Society:

(You will need a full-length mirror, a hand mirror, and a brightly lit room.)

• Examine your body front and back in mirror, then the right and left sides, with your arms raised.
• Bend your elbows, look carefully at your forearms, the back of your upper arms, and the palms of your hands.
• Look at backs of your legs and feet, spaces between your toes, and the soles of your feet.
• Examine the back of your neck and scalp with a hand mirror.
• Check your back and buttocks with a hand mirror.
• Become familiar with your skin and the pattern of your moles, freckles, and other marks.
• Be alert to changes in the number, size, shape, and color of pigmented areas.
• Follow the ABCD chart when examining moles of other pigmented areas and consult your physician promptly if you notice any changes.

Click here to view the
Online Resources of Skin Cancer

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