Be honest. You checked yourself out in the mirror this morning, didn’t you?
Making sure that every hair is in its place, checking your progress from those recent gym sessions, or just generally checking out how good looking you are (you handsome devil, you), it’s likely that you look in a mirror at least once a day.
But are you checking what is most important?
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. In fact, current estimates are that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. But did you know that melanoma (skin cancer), when detected early, has a survival rate of 99% and just 23% when detected at Stage 4?
That’s where skin self-exams come in.
Early detection is key when it comes to diagnosing, and surviving, cancers such as skin cancer. Skin self-exams are recommended as part of your tool kit to detect skin cancer.
It is important to know what your skin looks and feels like so you can identify any changes quickly. Conduct a head-to-toe self-examination of the skin every month.
If you find anything during your self-exam, make a note where they are on the body map and see a dermatologist immediately.
Learn how to recognize early warning signs of cancer, know when to seek medical attention, and share with a doctor to receive the most effective health care.
