growths have at least a 95
percent cure rate overall,
those in the genital region
tend to be found later, which
lowers your odds of survival,
says Martin A. Weinstock,
M.D., Ph.D., professor of
dermatology and community
health at Brown University.
In a recent review of national
mortality records, he found
that non-melanoma skin
cancers on the genitals,
though much rarer than those
on other parts of the body,
caused about as many deaths.
Women were particularly
vulnerable; roughly three
times as many females as
males died of this cancer. Be
sure to check the genital area
when doing your monthly
skin exam, advises Dr.
Weinstock. If anything looks
suspicious, show a
dermatologist.
Joy feelings magazine
11. Your husband may not
be much help around the
house, but when it comes to
skin cancer, he could be a
lifesaver: Working with a
partner significantly ups the
regularity of skin exams,
reports June K. Robinson,
M.D., professor of clinical
dermatology at Northwestern
University's Feinberg School
of Medicine. And that could
make all the difference:
Previous studies have found
that melanoma deaths could
be lowered by as much as 63
percent if people performed
monthly self-exams.
12. Painted toes look pretty,
but what lies beneat