Geography / All / Source: / Be Sunsible
SKIN CANCER SELF-ASSESSMENT HANDOUT
BENEFITS
Workers who work outside and are exposed to the sun are at risk of developing skin cancer. (Although the risk is highest in the summer, workers who are exposed to the sun at any time of year are at some risk.) Repeated exposure to the sun over many years may result in sun-induced skin changes, including skin cancer, which can be fatal if left untreated. And catching skin cancer early is critical.
HOW TO USE THE TOOL
Give this handout to all workers who work outside—at any time of the year—so they can use it to conduct a self-assessment of their skin and moles for any signs of skin cancer. Encourage them to see a doctor as soon as possible if they find any indications of skin cancer or have any concerns about the condition of their skin.
OTHER RESOURCES:
Be Sunsible website
Canadian Dermatology Assn.
Spot the Safety Violation: Stay Covered in the Sun
Sun Sensitivity Quiz
Model Sun Safety Policy
Blog: Aspirin May Protect Against Skin Cancer
Heat Stress Compliance Centre
SKIN CANCER SELF-ASSESSMENT HANDOUT
HOW TO CHECK YOUR SKIN:
1. Check your whole body, including the soles of your feet, between your toes, your armpits, ears, eyelids,
under your fingernails and scalp.
2. Use a hand-held mirror or have someone help you to check areas you can’t see, such as your back and
the back of your neck and legs.
3. Look for a new spot or a spot that’s different from the ones around it.
4. Look for a sore that doesn’t heal.
5. Look for a spot or mole that has changed in size, shape, colour or texture.
*See a doctor as soon as possible if you notice anything unusual or have concerns about your skin.
INFORMATION ON RECOGNIZING MELANOMA/SKIN CANCER:
Remember ABCDE:
A: Asymmetrical Shape: One-half of a mole or birthmark doesn’t match the other
.
B: Border: The edges of a mole or birthmark are irregular, ragged, blurred or notched
C: Colour: The colour isn’t the same all over. Shades of brown, black or patches of pink, red, white or blue may appear
D: Diameter: Rapid growth can be an indication of melanoma. Go to a doctor if the spot of concern is larger than six millimeters across (about 0.635cm or the size of an eraser on the end of a pencil).
E: Evolution: Look for changes in colour, size or shape, or symptoms, such as itching, tenderness or bleeding.
This tool and hundreds more available in the OHS Toolbox at www.ohsinsider.com