Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that even if you have a regular skin check once a year, you should still check your skin every month. This is especially important for people with weakened immune systems, those who have had skin cancer in the past, or those with a family history of skin cancer, according to the health website Healthline (USA).
People at high risk of skin cancer should use a mirror to self-examine their skin once a month.
The most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that looks like a red or pale lump. It looks like a sore on the skin that does not heal. This type of skin cancer grows slowly and is the least dangerous. People over the age of 50 are at higher risk of developing basal cell carcinoma than younger people.
Squamous cell carcinoma, on the other hand, is also slow-growing, red, and scaly. Unlike other skin cancers, it can develop in areas of the skin that are rarely exposed to the sun. It can appear as a new spot on the skin or develop on an existing mole. Squamous cell carcinomas are red, pink, brown, or black. They grow quickly and may bleed over time.
The American Cancer Society recommends checking freckles and moles. or any unusual spots on the skin. If cancerous, they will have signs such as an irregular border, asymmetry on both sides of the mole, and an unusual color. In size, the tumor is usually larger than a pencil eraser and grows gradually over time.
A self-exam is best done after you shower. You’ll need a large enough mirror to look at hard-to-see areas like your back, neck, ears, and buttocks. Start with your face, shoulders, armpits, arms, chest, and abdomen, then move on. Women should also check the skin under their breasts, according to Healthline .
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