February is National Self-Check Month! Knowing your “normal” is the first step in early detection. Here is what you need to know:
Frequency:
- Breast: Once a month (7-10 days after your period starts)
- Skin Check: Once a month (Check your full body)
What to look for:
Breasts:
- Lumps: New or hard masses (check up to the collarbone and armpits)
- Texture: Dimpling, puckering or “orange peel” skin
- Nipples: Unusual discharge or sudden inversion
Skin (The ABCDEs):
If a mole or spot shows any of these features, reach out to your provider.
- Asymmetry: If you “fold” the mole in half, the two sides don’t match. Healthy moles are usually round and symmetrical.
- Borders: The edges are blurry, jagged, notched or “scalloped” rather than smooth and well-defined.
- Color: The spot has multiple colors or shades (tan, brown, black or even red/blue) rather than being one solid color.
- Diameter: The spot is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- Evolving: This is the most important one. Look for any change in size, shape, color or elevation, or new symptoms like itching, crusting or bleeding.
If you find something, don’t panic. Book an appointment with your provider to discuss this.
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