Here’s a really good reason to spend lots of time checking your partner’s skin all over – focus on the moles, not only because they’re cute, as they could indicate the onset of deadly skin cancer malignant melanoma.
Enjoy your new partner activity pointing out healthy moles – which tend to be symmetrical in shape, of one colour and a small size.
Most moles are harmless. Sure, they might appear in spots you rather not be blemished with, but they are usually harmless. However, if a mole looks different, then get it checked out. Watch out for new growth or sores that won’t heal, itches or hurts. Worse would be a spot, mole or growth that bleeds, crusts or scabs.
Find out if you should be concerned:
The ABCDEs of melanoma
Note the scalp and neck as these are the most common places for basal cell carcinomas (slow growing form of skin cancer). Pay attention to feet, hands and ears too. Hopefully, you won’t find any of the above during your intimate time together.
It’s important to catch skin cancer in its early stages before it becomes untreatable. Make it a good habit to check your moles every few months as cancerous moles can grow or change in weeks or months.
Lower Your Risk for Skin Cancer
There’s no surefire way of preventing melanoma, but there are ways for you to reduce your risk of contracting the disease.
- Protect your skin with clothes, caps, umbrellas when in the sun.
- Seek shade whenever you can.
- Never leave home without a layer of SPF30 (or above) sunscreen.
- Remember that even if you’re indoors or in your car, the sun can still peek through the windows. Sunscreen’s your friend.
- Don’t use tanning beds. They expose you to the same UVA and UVB rays that the sun does which can lead to skin cancer in the long term.
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Do you know anyone who had caught melanoma in time? Share and help others in the comments below or on our Facebook page!