How To Check For Skin Cancer

Step 1: You Will Need

Yourself and as little clothing as you're willing to go without.
A full-length wall mirror and hand-held mirror to scope those areas which are a little harder to get to, if you know what I mean.
A flashlight.

Step 2: Know Your Cancers

Before you go and misdiagnose a bruise, birthmark or long-forgotten tattoo as skin cancer it's important to know the various types of skin cancer. According to skincheck.org, there are three of them.
One: Basal Cell Carcinoma. It's the most common type of skin cancer. It looks like a pearly bump on your skin that doesn't go away.
Two: Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer. It forms as a crusty, scaly patch with a hard surface.
Three: Melanoma is the least common type of skin cancer but is the most dangerous. It may start out looking like a dark, uneven mole but can change in size and color over time.

Step 3: The Self-Exam

Skin cancer can form anywhere. Unfortunately, I mean ANYWHERE, so if you want to be completely safe you've got to be willing to really focus on the self exam.
Facing a wall mirror, examine your face, lips, ears and eyes. Use the flashlight to check inside your mouth.
Check out your neck, shoulders and chest. Ladies, you should also check underneath your breasts.
Take both mirrors and check behind your ears, neck and upper back. Men, Melanoma is most commonly found on your backs, so be diligent here.
Next, check your abdomen and sides. Use the hand mirror to check your buttocks and genitals including the anus, vaginal area, penis and testes.
Raise both arms to check your arms, hands and underarm areas.
Now, sitting down, check your legs, ankles, feet, toes and in between your toes. Ladies, your legs are the most common sites for melanomas to occur so be very thorough here.

Step 4: Seek Medical Care

If you find something suspicious during your self-exam, call your doctor and schedule an immediate appointment.