Self-care has made its way into our daily lives, from unplugging to focusing on positivity to making sure we get our 10,000 steps a day. Another way we can practice self-care is by paying attention to our bodies and noting any new marks or bumps that pop up. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. That said, it’s also one of the most curable if diagnosed and treated early enough. And there are two ways we can be on the offense when it comes to our bodies.
First, take time to exam your body once a month. Don’t give it a quick glance, either, but really take a good look. Stand in front of a full-length mirror in a well-lit room and use a hand mirror to see spots out of your sightline. Notice any changes in size or shape of spots or moles. If it helps, take photos for reference next month. If you see something that looks peculiar, make an appointment to have it checked out.
Second, make an annual appointment with your dermatologist for a full-body exam. Your doctor will be able to see spots that you can’t quite reach, and if something is diagnosed, can start treatment immediately.
