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HOST: Performing a self skin exam is not only important,
it's easy too. There are only a few steps which Doctor Holly will show us now.
PHYSICIAN: You should perform a skin self exam every
month, noting where you have freckles or moles. You should be on the lookout for any changes
to these markings, while also watching for any of the following:
A new mole. Spots that itch, burn or bleed
Red or Dark colored flaky patch that is new New firm, flesh colored bump
A sore that doesn't heal.
If you see one of the above, or notice a change, don't be alarmed, but do share the information
with your doctor. This partnership is critical to spotting skin cancer early, the best time
for treatment.
In order to perform a self skin exam, you'll need both a full length mirror and a handheld
mirror for checking hard to see spots. We'll walk you through the steps and you can pause
at each one and use it as a guide to check yourself now.
You should start with your head, checking your face, neck and ears. Be sure to check
areas that are most exposed to the sun. It's also important to check your scalp. It may
be helpful to use a comb or hairdryer to help part the hair so you can see the skin underneath.
Now step back and look at your upper body. Look at the front of your upper body, checking
your shoulders and down to your waist. Then, turn around and look at the upper part of
your back with a hand mirror. Again, check from your shoulders down to your waist. Now,
lift one arm up and look at your side, including your armpit. Then repeat the process on the
other side.
Next bend your elbows, bringing your hands close to your face. Check your hands, fingernails
and palms. Then move up the arm looking at the forearm, and remembering to look at both
the top and bottom of the arm. Continue moving upwards to the upper arms, and here's where
you may need the mirror again. Look at both the outer and under areas of the arms noting
any changes.
Examine your legs. The legs and upper back are the areas most prone to Melanoma, the
deadliest form of skin cancer, so it's important to be thorough here. In the mirror, look at
both the front and back or your legs. Also check the area around the buttocks and genitals.
Remember, skin cancers can even develop in areas that don't see much sun.
Finally, look at your feet. It's probably easier to sit down while you're doing this
step. Look at both the top and bottom of your feet, and don't forget to check in the spaces
between the toes. This step is especially important for people of color. Sixty percent
of melanoma cases in African Americans occur on the feet.
Performing a self skin exam is easy and doesn't take much time. But, this monthly routine
is the first step in getting to know your own body and staying cancer free. And, while
skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, it can be successfully treated if caught early.
Take it from me, a skin cancer survivor. Nobody knows your skin better than you. Watch for
new spots or changes, and perform a self skin exam every month. Remember, not all skin cancers
are caused by the sun. If you see something, don't panic... but do get it checked.
On behalf of the SHADE Foundation and HealthiNation, I'm Shonda Schilling. Thanks for watching,
and remember, Limit the sun, not the fun and get talking about your health.