Early detection of skin cancer

Tips for early detection of skin cancer

• Most skin cancers that appear on the skin can be seen with the naked eye. The best way to find them is to self-examine your skin regularly, with a complete head-to-toe skin examination at the beginning of each season (four times per year).
• It can be a good idea to see a GP or dermatologist for a comprehensive skin exam before you begin self-exams so that a baseline of “normal” can be established.  From that point on, you can watch for changes.
• When you check your skin, note your mole patterns, freckles, and other spots.  Take photos, which will help you notice changes over time. 
• You will need a full-length mirror, a hand-held mirror, a hair dryer, a chair to sit on, and a well-lit area.
• Since you will need to remove all clothing, a good time to do your exam is prior to a shower or bath.
• Since some parts of your body, such as your back and your scalp, are difficult to see, ask your partner, family member or friend to help. 
• In men, melanoma is most often found on the torso, head, and neck.
• In women, melanoma is most often found on the lower legs and torso.

Know your ABCDE’s

Examine your skin regularly, looking for any new moles or lesions as well as changes in the moles you already have. When you examine your moles, remember the ABCDEs of melanoma, and the “Ugly Ducking” Rule. If you notice any of the following, consult your healthcare provider immediately.

A = Asymmetry: Is the spot asymmetric?

B = Border: Are the borders uneven?

C = Colour: Does the spot contain different colours?

D = Diameter: Is the spot larger than 5m in diameter?

E = Evolving (or changing): Have you noted an evolution or growth of the spot?

The “Ugly Duckling”

Most moles and spots on your body will look similar to each other. An “Ugly Duckling” is a mole or lesion that is unlike the others on your skin. It might be a lighter coloured or darker coloured mole or lesion than the others around it, or it might be a larger or smaller mole or spot than others around it. If you have an Ugly Duckling, show it to your healthcare provider.

How to Perform a skin self-Check

1. Your Head: Begin by facing a full-length mirror. Carefully examine your face, especially the nose, lips, mouth, and ears – front and back. It may help to use a hand- held mirror as well as the full-length mirror to get a better look.

2. Your Scalp: Thoroughly examine the entire surface of your scalp, using a hair dryer and mirror to expose each section to view. Have a friend or family member help you should you need it. It could be a good idea to ask your hairdresser to let you know about any moles on your scalp that they can see – you might not even know you have one!

3. Your Front Torso: Facing the full-length mirror, inspect your neck, chest and torso. Women: check the skin underneath each breast. Lift your arms and check the sides of your upper body as well.

4. Your Back Torso: Face away from the full-length mirror, holding the handheld mirror. Examine your back, your shoulders, the back of your neck, and any other body parts you could not see from the front. From there, continue down your body and examine your buttocks and the backs of your thighs.

5. Your Lower Body: Sit on a chair and scan your legs using the handheld mirror to look at the back of each leg. Check the tops and soles of your feet, making sure to check the spaces between your toes, and underneath your toenails. Use the handheld mirror to check your genitals and the insides of your thighs.

The early detection of melanoma is critical. Make self-skin checks a regular part of your routine – it could save your life.

Don’t Rely on Memory

If you have numerous or dysplastic moles, or if you have had a previous skin cancer, ask your doctor about total-body photography or mole-mapping. Instead of relying on memory to determine whether a mole has changed or is new, some dermatologists and GP clinics offer total-body photography to provide a baseline for comparison at future examinations. Total body photography images can be used in the clinic and at home to allow for comparisons. If your doctor does not offer photography, you can take photos of your moles or lesions yourself to show your doctor.

Skin check by your doctor

If you are at higher risk of developing skin cancer your GP or dermatologist may recommend regular skin examinations.  Your GP may also refer you to a Dermatologist.

A whole-body skin examination by a doctor usually involves undressing to your underwear and checking your skin from scalp to toes. A sheet can be provided for modesty. During this check, let the doctor know if there are any spots or moles that concern you.

Your doctor may use a dermatoscope (a magnified instrument and light) to get a closer look at the spot or mole.

You doctor may also take photographs or measurements to keep track of any changes to your moles or spots. These photographs or measurements are then used as references for follow-up examinations. This approach is particularly useful if you have many moles or spots.  After the whole-body skin examination takes place, your doctor will discuss the next steps. If a suspicious spot or mole was identified, the next step may include a biopsy (where some of the tissue is removed and sent for pathology testing under a microscope), and a follow-up appointment. If no suspicious spots were identified, continue to perform monthly self-examinations to monitor your skin for any changes or new growths until your next appointment.