Go on Spot Patrol

Focused on Health - May 2010

by Adelina Espat

Who’d a thought? That tiny spot in-between your toes could be skin cancer. And you’re thinking, “That’s one of the last toes places on my body to ever see daylight. How did that happen?”

Well, most skin cancers are caused by sun exposure – but not all. In fact, skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body. Yes, anywhere!

Unusual places where skin cancer has appeared include:

In-between the toes
On the soles of feet
On palms
In the scalp
Behind the ears
In fingernails and toenails
Between the buttocks
Around the genital area

Sunscreen’s not enough boy skin

So while using sunscreen is important, keeping track of the spots on your skin also is a must for beating skin cancer. And luckily, more than half of skin cancers occur in areas of the body easily within view.

There are three types of skin cancer: basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer and melanoma. Basal and squamous cell cancers are the most common and easiest to treat. Melanoma is less common and tends to be more aggressive.

Basal and squamous cell cancers occur mainly on the parts of your body that have been exposed to the sun, such as your head and neck. The most common locations for melanomas in men are the chest and back. In women, the legs are the most common site.

Pay special attention to these parts when examining your skin, but don’t forget to check less common areas as well. The idea is to get familiar with your entire body.

Know your skin intimately

Learn where your birthmarks, moles and blemishes are, and what they usually look and feel like. You should be familiar with what is normal for you.

Look for new growths, spots, bumps or patches. Also, pay attention to sores that don't heal within a couple of months. mole measure

Many skin cancers develop from existing moles. Follow the ABCDE guide when examining your moles.

A is for Asymmetry. If both sides of your mole don’t look identical, get it checked by your doctor.

B is for Border. The border around your mole should be smooth and even. It shouldn't be crooked.

C is for Color. Some people have moles that are pink. Other moles are tanner or may be brown. No matter the shade, your mole should only have one color.

D is for Diameter. A mole’s diameter should be smaller than 6 millimeters, which is the size of the top of a pencil eraser. If your mole suddenly gets larger or expands, have it examined right away.

E is for Evolution. Moles can change in many ways. If your mole begins to burn, become scalier or changes in other ways that feel or look strange, see your doctor.

Get a good look at unusual spots

To get a good look at your skin, you need a: scalp

well-lighted room to see clearly,
full-length mirror to get a big picture view, and
a hand-held mirror for close-up views or to view hidden areas.

Here are some extra tips for checking out areas normally hidden from view.

Use a comb or a blow dryer to move your hair so you can see your scalp better.
Ask a relative or friend to check through your hair if you can’t do so yourself.
Sit on a chair to get a better view of your feet, including your toenails, soles and spaces between the toes.
Raise your arms to get a good look at the sides of your body and under your arms.

See your doctor right away if you notice any unusual skin changes. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, but it’s also the easiest to cure if found and treated early.