How to check for skin cancer

Getty Images. A doctor displays the underside of a patient's arm in contrast to the top side to compare what the sun has done as she examines her for symptoms of skin cancer.

If you didn’t already know that solariums are dangerous for your skin, you must have been living under a rock – in which case you’d probably be well protected from skin cancer.

But while it is already established that indoor tanning beds can cause malignant melanoma (the less common but deadliest form of skin cancer), a new analysis in British journal BMJ has confirmed indoor tanning beds significantly increase the risk of the most common skin cancers, non-melanoma skin cancers.

Of course, slip-slop-slapping to prevent skin cancer is your best bet, but having regular skin check-ups with a doctor or dermatologist and keeping an eye on your own moles can help avert serious skin-cancer issues.

“Catching skin cancer early is key for successful treatment,” says dermatologist Dr Thomas Rohrer.

“Checking your skin for skin cancer only requires your eyes and a mirror. Involving a partner adds another set of eyes, which is especially helpful when checking the back and other hard-to-see areas.”

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On that note, don’t forget to check your scalp, the back of your neck, the backs of your legs, between your toes, the soles of your feet and your palms.

What you need to remember: the ABCDEs of melanoma. Make an appointment with a specialist if one of your moles shows any of these signs:

A – Asymmetry: One half of the spot is different to the other half. Like a Gemini.

B – Border: Your mole has border disputes – its outline is undefined or irregular.

C – Colour: The mark is multicoloured – it could be tan, brown and/or black with areas of red and even blue or white.

D – Diameter: Melanomas are usually larger than 6mm (about the size of that chewed-up rubber on the end of your pencil), though keep in mind that they can be smaller.

E – Evolving: Shapeshifter style, the spot has changed in size, colour or structure, or it looks different to your other moles and freckles.

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