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SELF-EXAM. BEAUTIFULLY.

Checking for skin cancer is easy to add to your skincare routine. Really easy.

Just take a few minutes and you could uncover skin cancer before it becomes a bigger problem.

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These self-exams are not meant to diagnose or replace visits with your doctor.

SKIN CANCER CAN BE A BIG DEAL. CHECKING FOR IT ISN'T.

When detected early survival rates can be high1

The rate of skin cancer is rising in Canada. And it can affect people of any race, sex, or age. The survival rate for melanoma is high if it is detected early and unlike many cancers, melanoma is often clearly visible on the skin.1

Statement on skin cancer early detection

IT’S A FULL BODY CHECK. SIMPLE AS THAT.

Self-examination for skin cancer is important. Pick a convenient time to do this monthly check. It shouldn’t take more than about 10 minutes.

woman's eyes with the number one

Check your scalp.

Person's  face with freckles and sun spots with the number two

Look at your nose, lips, cheeks, and ears with a mirror.

Person's bare back with the number three

Look at your upper back. You’ll need 2 mirrors.

Person's collarbone area with the number four

Focus on your neck, chest, and torso with two mirrors.

Two hands with the number five

Give your hands, fingers, upper arms, and armpits a good scan.

Lower back with the number six

Check your lower back, buttocks, and genital area.

Legs with the number seven

Closely look at your legs and feet. Don’t forgot to look between your toes and the soles of your feet.

SKIN CANCER - WHAT TO LOOK FOR

  • New or changing moles

  • A clear, red, brown, or black growth that gets larger

  • Any growth that bleeds or aches

  • Open sores, scabs, or pimples that don't go away

Woman looking at herself in the mirror with a statement on skin cancer

ABCDES OF MELANOMA

These self-exams are not meant to diagnose or replace visits with your doctor.

Signs of melanoma that shows uneven shape

Asymmetry

(uneven shape)

One half of a mole looks different from the other.

Signs of melanoma that shows uneven, ragged borders

Border Irregularity

(ragged edges)

Border of the mole looks ragged or blurry.

Signs of melanoma that shows two or more colours

Colour

Different colours in the same mole.

Signs of melanoma that shows size larger than a quarter inch

Diameter

(size)

Size of the mole is bigger than a pencil eraser.

Person's bare back with moles and a statement on melanoma

Evolving

Mole changing in size, shape, colour, or height. Or any new symptoms like bleeding, itching, or crusting.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU FIND ANYTHING UNUSUAL

Or here is a link to find an expert evaluation

Woman with a scarf around her neck standing and listening to her dermatologist

MELANOMA OR NOT, WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

There are two types of skin cancer. Melanoma and non-melanoma.

Most skin cancer is considered non-melanoma. It develops slowly in the upper layers of the skin. Melanoma affects the cells that give skin its colour. This type of cancer is more aggressive than non-melanoma.

The good news is you can take steps to protect yourself – including a monthly self-exam.

Hands around a statement on sunburn and melanoma

Melanoma is one of the most common cancer types found in people aged 15-492


By age 50 men are more likely than women to develop melanoma*


A single blistering sunburn before the age of 20 increases the risk of developing melanoma later in life.²

Sunscreen is your friend

Most skin cancer is preventable. And using sunscreen every day helps protect skin from the sun’s harmful rays. The more you know the better.

LEARN MORE
People's legs at a beach

5+ sunburns can double the risk for melanoma*


16 high school students get a sunburn every minute*

OVEREXPOSURE TO UV RAYS IS BAD NEWS

Most skin cancer is caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. UV comes from the sun and artificial sources like tanning beds. For a great tan, consider sunless tanning products.

EXPLORE PRODUCTS
Explanation of how tanning beds can be more dangerous than smoking

Tanning beds can be more dangerous than smoking


MYTH: UV rays only pose a risk in sunny coastal locations.

TRUTH: Melanoma can affect anyone regardless of sex, age or race and is the 7th most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada.²


MYTH: The sun can be a good way to get Vitamin D.

TRUTH: Foods and supplements can provide Vitamin D without any exposure to harmful UV rays.³

Everybody needs to think about skin cancer

Illustration of different skin tones

More than 30% of all cancers in Caucasian people are skin cancers*

Melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers can affect anyone, no matter their ethnicity or skin colour.

The risk of getting melanoma for Latinx is 1 in 167. And the risk of getting melanoma for Black people in 1 in 1000*

LEARN MORE


Rate of Skin Cancer*

  • 35%-45% of all cancers in Caucasian people

  • 1%-2% of all cancers in Black people

  • 2%-4% of all cancers in Asian people

  • 4%-5% of all cancers in Latinx people


Person touching their bare shoulder

Special attention for darker skin

The risk is lower for people of colour. But when skin cancer is found, it tends to be at a more advanced stage. Which can be harder to treat.

Melanomas in Black and Asian people usually appear on harder to find areas. It can show up under hands and feet, inside the nose or mouth, and under fingernails and toenails.

30% to 40% of skin cancer in people of colour appears under the foot.*

EXPLORE PHOTOS


Rate of Skin Cancer*

  • 67% in Black people

  • 92% in Caucasian people


Note pad and pen icon

Tip 1

Keep a record of your spots

Cell phone icon

Tip 2

Take pictures of anything that looks unusual

T-shirt on a hanger icon

Tip 3

Do your self-exam before or after a shower. Or when changing your clothes.

YOUR GUIDE TO BEING SUN SAFE

Sun protection brochure