How often should I check my skin for cancer?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:You should check your skin for skin cancer at least once a year by taking the "birthday suit test." Learn more about this topic in this video with Dr. Oz.
You should check your skin for skin cancer at least once a year by taking the "birthday suit test." Learn more about this topic in this video with Dr. Oz. More -
Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:Check your skin about once a month, in addition to a yearly routine follow-up with your doctor. Be on the lookout for moles with asymmetry (dissimilar halves), irregular borders and a diameter larger than 6 millimeters, or the size of a pencil eraser. Change is really the name of the game, so alert your physician if you notice a mole that has changed in size, color or shape.Check your skin about once a month, in addition to a yearly routine follow-up with your doctor. Be on the lookout for moles with asymmetry (dissimilar halves), irregular borders and a diameter larger than 6 millimeters, or the size of a pencil... More -
Dr. Doris Day answered:Spend a few minutes once a month to give yourself a thorough once-over to check for skin cancer. Do this in daylight lighting in front of a full length mirror. It is a good idea to do your breast self-exam on the same day. If you see any changes in your existing moles or if you spot new moles or non-healing growths, make an appointment with your dermatologist as soon as possible. Remember, although some people are at greater risk than others, everyone is at risk. A monthly self-check greatly increases your chances of finding any problems at an early stage when cure is the rule. Pre-cancerous and cancerous skin lesions can be safely and completely removed with microscopic surgery in your dermatologist’s office.Spend a few minutes once a month to give yourself a thorough once-over to check for skin cancer. Do this in daylight lighting in front of a full length mirror. It is a good idea to do your breast self-exam on the same day. If you see any... More
