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Spot-check your sweetheart for skin cancer

New research shows that couples who check one another for skin cancer tend to do so more scrupulously than people who do skin self-exams alone. The researchers trained both individuals and couples to practice skin self-examination, finding that the couples conducted the tests more frequently, and thoroughly, resulting in reduced odds of developing skin cancer.

"A simple head-to-toe skin check should be done at least once every month," said Perry Robins, MD, President of The Skin Cancer Foundation. "Conducting the exam with a partner can dramatically reduce the risk for skin cancer and could possibly be the difference between life and death," said Dr. Robins.

The researchers noted that half of all melanomas are discovered by patients themselves, confirming the importance of selfexamination in early detection. Having a partner to help with the exam can make it easier to remember to check the skin regularly as well as easier to check areas such as the scalp and back, which are difficult to see alone. After the first few times, selfexamination should take no more than 10 minutes - a small investment once a month in what could be a lifesaving procedure:

What you'll need: a bright light; full-length mirror; a hand mirror; two chairs or stools; and a blow-dryer.

Examine head and face; especially the nose, lips, mouth and ears (front and back)

Check hands, including fingernails. In a full-length mirror examine elbows, arms and underarms.

Examine the neck, chest and torso. Women: check under breasts.

With back to mirror, use a hand mirror to inspect back of neck, shoulders, upper arms, back, buttocks, and legs.

Sitting down, check legs and feet, including soles, heels and nails. Use hand mirror to examine genitals.

The warning signs: Askin growth that increases in size and appears pearly, translucent, tan, brown, black or multi-colored

Aspot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab, erode or bleed

An open sore that does not heal within three weeks

A mole, birthmark, or brown spot that changes in color; increases in size or thickness ; is larger than 6mm in size (size of a pencil eraser); changes in texture and/or has an irregular border

While a monthly self-exam shouldn't replace the important annual skin exam performed by a physician, it offers the best chance of detecting the early warning signs of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. If you notice any change in an existing mole or discover a new one that looks suspicious, see a physician immediately. To find out more about how to spot a skin cancer and for information on selfexams, visit www.skincancer.org. For a free self-exam brochure and molemapping guide, call 1-800- SKIN-490 or email info@skincancer. org.