Check Your Skin Every Month
You are your first line of defense.
Here’s how to check:
- Use a full-length mirror and a hand mirror for hard-to-see spots (like your back).
- Look at your whole body – including your scalp, between your toes, and the soles of your feet.
- Take pictures of moles or marks so you can see if they change.
- If you have light skin, have had sunburns, used tanning beds, or have a family history of skin cancer, you’re more at risk – check regularly and see a dermatologist every year.
How to Protect Your Skin
You can’t prevent every case of skin cancer, but you can lower your risk by:
- Wearing sunscreen every day (SPF 30 or higher)
- Staying out of tanning beds
- Wearing hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves when out in the sun
- Avoiding the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Teaching your family to do skin checks, too
Using sunscreen daily can cut your chances of getting some skin cancers by nearly half!
When to Call a Doctor
Get checked if you notice:
- A spot that looks different from others
- A mole or sore that’s changing, itching, or bleeding
- A wound that won’t heal
Doctors usually do a biopsy (a small skin sample) to find out if it’s cancer.
Final Thoughts: Be Aware and Take Action
Skin cancer is common but treatable—especially if you catch it early. Regular skin checks, sun protection, and seeing a doctor when something changes can make all the difference.
The earlier it’s found, the better your chances.
In fact, if melanoma is caught early, survival rates are over 99%.
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