Many of us have made resolutions for the new year- perhaps even recycled ones we let trail off in the previous year- but one thing is for sure, this is your most important resolution yet.
What is that resolution? Repeat as follows:
I WILL EXAMINE MY SKIN EVERY MONTH THIS YEAR.
If you're not already aware, both skin cancer and Melanoma have high survival rates when detected early and treated before they spread. That last bit is the most important part, because you want to be able to catch cancer before it spreads, which is when it becomes most dangerous.
So what is the best way to catch these cancers early? One word: detection!
Skin exams are perhaps the most overlooked, yet most essential health exams available. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a "monthly head-to-toe self examination of [your] skin, so that [you] can find any new or changing lesions that might be cancerous or precancerous." is the most important step in skin cancer/melanoma prevention next to wearing sun-protection.
If you have never had a skin exam before, ask your doctor or GP if they can administer one, or if they can recommend a dermatologist/skin specialist who will. Those who have had skin exams before (or if you are unable to get a professional check each month), may be able to perform skin exams on themselves by following guides such as this one: Click here!
One of the best ways to keep a record of your moles, spots, and freckles, is to use our app, Mole Monitor! Mole Monitor app is approved by the NHS and ensures a thorough skin check by taking photographs and mapping out the location of moles on your body. Then you may take your logs to the doctor to get a better professional skin assessment.
You can download the Mole Monitor App here.
Sources:
http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/early-detection
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/melanoma/treatment/melanoma-statistics-and-outlook
http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/early-detection/step-by-step-self-examination
What is that resolution? Repeat as follows:
I WILL EXAMINE MY SKIN EVERY MONTH THIS YEAR.
If you're not already aware, both skin cancer and Melanoma have high survival rates when detected early and treated before they spread. That last bit is the most important part, because you want to be able to catch cancer before it spreads, which is when it becomes most dangerous.
So what is the best way to catch these cancers early? One word: detection!
Skin exams are perhaps the most overlooked, yet most essential health exams available. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a "monthly head-to-toe self examination of [your] skin, so that [you] can find any new or changing lesions that might be cancerous or precancerous." is the most important step in skin cancer/melanoma prevention next to wearing sun-protection.
If you have never had a skin exam before, ask your doctor or GP if they can administer one, or if they can recommend a dermatologist/skin specialist who will. Those who have had skin exams before (or if you are unable to get a professional check each month), may be able to perform skin exams on themselves by following guides such as this one: Click here!
One of the best ways to keep a record of your moles, spots, and freckles, is to use our app, Mole Monitor! Mole Monitor app is approved by the NHS and ensures a thorough skin check by taking photographs and mapping out the location of moles on your body. Then you may take your logs to the doctor to get a better professional skin assessment.
You can download the Mole Monitor App here.
Sources:
http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/early-detection
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/melanoma/treatment/melanoma-statistics-and-outlook
http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/early-detection/step-by-step-self-examination
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