Prevention
It is recommended that you check your own skin every two to three months, along with your yearly skin exam by your doctor.
To help prevent and reduce your risk of skin cancer
- Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm (daylight saving hours) or between 10am and 2pm all other times of the year.
- Stay in the shade. However, be sure to choose your shade carefully as UV can reflect off certain surfaces and you may still burn
- Wear clothing that gives you good protection from the sun
- Wear wide-brimmed hats to protect your face, neck and ears
- Use sunscreen. Sunscreen with SPF of at least 30+ with broad spectrum and water resistance should be used regardless of your skin type.
- Protect your lips with either sunscreen or lip balm with SPF.
Check your own skin regularly
It is recommended that you check your own skin every two to three months, along with your yearly skin exam by your doctor. Conducting your own skin exam can be the best way to detecting the early warning signs of cancer. Get to know your skin, your moles, freckles, blemishes and birthmarks. Be aware of any changes in the size, shape, and colour or number of spots and any sores or blemishes on your skin that don’t heal. These may be the early warning signs of skin cancer.
If you notice anything new or unusual, see your doctor as soon as possible. A useful acronym to help identify skin cancers is to be aware of any spots that have any of the features of SCAN
Sore
Scaly, itchy, bleeding. tender, and doesn’t heal within 6 weeks.
Changing
Changing in size, shape, colour or texture.
Abnormal
Looks different, feels different, or stands out when compared to your other spots and moles.
New
Has appeared on your skin recently. Any new moles or spots should be checked, especially if you are over 40.
The more of the above features a spot or mole has, the more concerning it may be and should be checked by a doctor qualified to assess such lesions, for more information please visit https://www.scanyourskin.org/