Ali Encourages Self-Checks
- Ali Manno (formerly Ali Fedotowsky), 36, former star of The Bachelorette, was diagnosed earlier this year with Basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.
- The reality TV star is urging people to do self-checks of their skin to screen for cancer.
- Protecting yourself from skin cancer can be done by using SPF 30 sunscreen every day, avoiding sunlight during peak hours, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
Manno was diagnosed with Basal cell carcinoma this year; this type of skin cancer is highly treatable, especially when caught early.
Read MoreManno explained what prompted her to finally take action, writing: “That's part of the reason it took having kids for me to finally go get my skin checked. I should never have waited that long. Luckily I did go and I found out that I had a very common form of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma. It's also highly treatable when caught early. And since that day I have vowed to do what I can to spread awareness and encourage others to go get their skin checked as well.”
Manno went on to say she’s teamed up with the American Cancer Society and Us Weekly to help spread awareness for this disease.
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Doing Skin Self-Checks
The best time to do a skin self-exam is after a shower, in front of a full-length mirror. (Use a hand-held mirror for hard-to-see areas, or ask a partner or family member to help you do your check in areas you can’t see.)
You should look for moles, blemishes, or birthmarks, from top to bottom. If you spot anything irregular, you should make an appointment with a dermatologist to rule out the possibility of skin cancer.
Examining Your Skin for Melanoma: Remember ABCDE
Protect Your Skin from Cancer
Keeping your skin protected is often the best defense for skin cancer. Dr. Dendy Engelman, a dermatologist, spoke with SurvivorNet in a previous interview on how to protect your skin.
Related: 'Get Your Skin Checked': Hugh Jackman Posts a Skin Cancer Prevention Reminder for Fans
Dr. Engelman told us a few ways to protect yourself against skin cancer, saying, “One: Avoid the sun during peak hours, which is 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Two: Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, because we want to protect the tops of our head, and the tops of our ears, and then the delicate area around the eye. Three: We need to wear SPF of 30 or highera bare minimum of 30and make sure to reapply every two hours, or after excessive sweating, or after swimming.”
Like Manno, Dr. Engelman affirmed the need for skin checks. She told us, “And then we need to make sure that we have yearly skin checks, because it’s difficult to evaluate areas all over the body.”
Top 5 Ways to Protect Your Skin From Skin Cancer
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