How can I check my skin for skin cancer?

This is a great question to ask yourself, and if you don’t know the answer, we’re here to help! Skin Cancer is represented by three primary categories: Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Malignant Melanoma. Squamous cell and basal cell are the two most common forms of skin cancer with more than 1 million cases of skin cancer being diagnosed in the US each year. The incidence of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, has steadily increased for the past 30 years, and is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29. The American Cancer Society recommends a skin cancer-related checkup and counseling about sun exposure as part of any periodic health examination for men and women beginning at age 20.

We know it’s tough to make it in to a million doctors appointments, but if caught early, most skin cancers are completely curable. Here are a couple of tips to look for at home, so you can take charge of your own health and be proactive when checking yourself on a regular basis. Many of you may have heard of the ABCDE’s of checking moles. If you haven’t, here it is:

This is a great guide to reference when you have a spot that you think looks unusual. Another good way to determine if it should be checked by a professional are symptoms. Does it hurt? Does it bleed? Has it changed? Again, skin checks are quick and easy, so please stay ahead of your health and schedule your yearly checkup today!