Check for skin cancer
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How to check for skin cancer | What to look for when checking for skin cancer
The sooner skin cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.
The best way to ensure skin cancer is found early is to get to know your skin and what’s normal for you.
Any changes including new spots, or changes in shape, colour or size of an existing spot should be checked by your GP.
How to check for skin cancer
The Australasian College of Dermatologists suggests checking your skin from head to toe every three months (with the change of each season).
- Find a well-lit room with enough space to inspect every part of your body. For your back this means also having a mirror accessible to you or better still ask a family member or friend to check your back.
- Start at the head and work down your body, this includes your hair line, neck, fingers, elbows, behind your legs and soles of your feet. Be thorough and make sure you double check you’ve looked at your whole body. To make this easier you can take photos of your skin to remember what it looks like.
- Take note of anything that changes, whether it is size, shape or colour. If you
notice changes, make a note of this and book an appointment with a GP.
- Take note of new spots. If you notice new spots appearing, particularly on your back, neck, hairline or soles of your feet, book an appointment with a GP.
What to look for when checking for skin cancer
Skin cancer can appear as an existing spot that has changed in colour, size or shape or a new or unusual looking spot, including a lump or sore which doesn’t heal or may bleed.
Melanoma signs and symptoms
Melanomas can grow anywhere on the body, not just the parts of your skin that have been exposed to the sun’s UV.
Melanomas can appear as a new spot or an existing spot that changes in colour, size or shape.
The spot may increase in size or elevation, become scaly, have an irregular shape or lacksymmetry, and it may itch or bleed easily.