Skin Self-Examination: A Lifesaving Habit
Performing regular skin self-examinations is a simple yet vital practice for monitoring your health. By becoming familiar with your moles, freckles, and birthmarks, you can identify changes early and take appropriate action. This habit can be done at home using a partner, family member, or mirrors to check hard-to-see areas.
Why Self-Examinations Matter
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia, and early detection plays a critical role in successful treatment. Skin cancer can develop on any part of your body, including areas that have never been sunburnt or exposed to sunlight. Early detection is essential because skin cancers, such as melanoma, can resemble normal moles in their early stages. Over time, they may change in size, shape, or color, but acting promptly can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
How to Perform a Skin Self-Examination
Step 1: Familiarise Yourself With Your Skin
Take note of your existing moles, freckles, and birthmarks. Learn their size, shape, and colour so you can easily identify any changes.
Step 2: Check All Areas of Your Body
Skin cancers can appear in unexpected places, so it’s crucial to inspect every part of your body, including:
- Scalp: Use a comb and a mirror, or ask someone for assistance.
- Soles of the feet and between toes.
- Underarms, between fingers, and around nails.
- Groin, buttocks, and behind your ears.
Step 3: Establish a Routine
Examine your skin systematically every three months. Linking this routine to a regular event, like receiving your electricity bill, can help you remember.
Step 4: Use the “ABCDE” Rule
The ABCDE rule is a simple guide for identifying suspicious lesions:
- A – Asymmetry: Uneven halves that do not match.
- B – Border: Irregular or poorly defined edges.
- C – Colours: Multiple colours or changes in colour.
- D – Diameter: Larger than 5mm or increasing in size.
- E – Evolution: Any change in size, shape, colour, or texture over time.
What to Watch For
Consult a doctor if you notice any of the following:
- A spot or mole that grows, changes, or develops a new texture.
- A lesion that weeps, bleeds, scabs, or becomes tender.
- A mole that appears after the age of 20.
- A birthmark or freckle that increases in size, changes in color, or develops irregular borders.
Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers
Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, can arise on any part of the body — even areas not exposed to sunlight. Non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are more common and often develop in sun-exposed areas.
While melanomas may mimic normal moles early on, changes in their appearance or texture are key indicators. Some melanomas may feel irritated or itchy, but most do not feel different from other spots. Regular self-checks improve your chances of noticing these subtle changes.
Tips for Effective Self-Examinations
- Use Proper Tools: A full-length mirror and a handheld mirror are essential for thorough checks.
- Document Changes: Record your moles and spots by taking photos or keeping a log. This will help track any variations over time.
- Involve a Partner: Ask a trusted partner to help examine areas like your back and scalp.
When to See a Doctor
If you detect a suspicious mole, lesion, or any unusual change, consult a doctor immediately. The Cancer Council Australia recommends seeing a qualified professional experienced in skin cancer diagnosis, such as a dermatologist or skin cancer doctor, for further assessment. Remember, early detection is the best defence against skin cancer progression.
How to Perform a Skin Self-Examination
Given the high UV index in Australia, regular self-examinations are crucial for everyone. Australia’s Cancer Council highlights the importance of combining self-checks with professional skin examinations, particularly for individuals with high-risk factors such as fair skin, a history of sunburn, or a family history of skin cancer.
By adopting this proactive approach to skin health, you can protect yourself from one of the most preventable yet common cancers in Australia. Regular self-examinations, coupled with professional checks, are your best strategy for staying one step ahead