Skin Checks for Cancer Diagnosis

Getting regular skin checks is essential to ensure that cancers are diagnosed as early as possible. Early diagnosis means that these cancers can be treated faster and surgery may even be avoided. Unfortunately, skin cancers can only be seen and not felt, so when someone gets skin cancer they won't feel any pain. This is why you need to constantly monitor your skin for any changes and take part in regular checks.   

How to examine your skin for cancer?

It is important to ensure that you are checking every surface of your body and not just the obvious areas. Make sure you are in an area with good lighting and remove all items of clothing. First, check all areas that you can easily see then use a mirror to examine hard-to-see areas such as the back of the head.

What am I looking for?

It can be a little daunting when you are examining your skin and you may feel that all spots look the same. Here is some information on what you should be looking for.

There are three main types of skin cancers — melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. 

Melanomas are the most dangerous and spread rapidly to other parts of the body. You may see these as a new spot on your skin or you may observe changes to an existing spot. These can also appear as bright red nodes that bleed.

Basal cell carcinomas may look like a discoloured lump or dry scaly skin. They will most often be found on areas of skin that sunlight can get to.

Squamous cell carcinomas also appear as bright red scaly spots and normally occur in people over 50. 

Professional Skin Checks

You can visit your GP or a skin cancer clinic for a professional skin check. Clinics have the latest technology to take a thorough look at your skin to ensure that any spots that appear suspicious can be diagnosed. This technology allows them to clearly distinguish between regular, harmless skin spots and those that may be cancer. They will then carry out further tests to ensure proper diagnosis. The doctor at the skin cancer clinic may send for biopsies as well. 

When you visit a professional skin cancer clinic you can be assured that your skin checks are conducted thoroughly. Whereas when you examine your skin yourself you may not examine all areas and you may not be able to identify some skin cancers.