Intimacy can be pleasurable and strengthen the bond between yourself and your partner - it helps communicate that they are safe, cared for, desired and loved.
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You might notice things as you explore and feel their bodies in places they might not go or see themselves - their ears, back of the neck, back, buttocks and even arm pits. Spots with irregular and jagged edges, are changing shape and size, are asymmetrical or are bleeding or crusting deserve special attention - they might be signs of melanoma.
The Australian Melanoma Research Foundation is encouraging everyone to make Valentine's Day the annual date you and your partner check each other's hard to see spots. It may very well save each other's lives.
Foundation chief executive officer Marisa Chilcott said Australia has the highest incidence rate of melanoma in the world, and while it is deadly, 90 per cent of melanomas can be treated successfully if picked up early.
Menalomas are often found on the back, neck, scalp and behind the ears - intimate places you might not be able to reach or see for yourself.
"That's why we think Valentine's Day is the perfect time for partners to check each other," Ms Chilcott said.
The foundation has released a check sheet for partners to use that outlines what to look for and where.
- Examine the body's front and back, sides and with arms raised
- Check the back of the neck and scalp. Part the hair to examine the scalp. Check the ears, lips and nostrils.
- Bend elbows and look at the forearms, underarms, palms and under the fingernails
- Check the back and buttocks
- Look at the back of the legs and feet - including the soles and in between toes and under the toenails
The fact sheet outlines the ABCDE melanoma guidelines:
- Asymmetry - one half of the mark does not match the other
- Borders - the edges are irregular and ragged
- Colour - not the same all over or has changed over time
- Diameter - the spot is larger than 6mm or is increasing in size
- Evolving - change in shape, size, colour, elevation or itching, bleeding or crusty.
"Some places are easy to check," Ms Chilcott said.
"But the back of your body, including under the arms, back, neck, buttocks, scalp, ears, lips and nostrils are hard to see for yourself."
Melanoma can also appear in unusual places like the palms of your hands or soles of your feet and under finger or toenails - Bob Marley died in 1981 from a rare form of melanoma that occurred under his toenail. It's not just people with pale skin who need to be alert - those with darker skin are also vulnerable and regular skin checks by professional specialists are important.
Melanomas in Australia - a snapshot
- Close to one person is diagnosed every 30 minutes.
- Roughly two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.
- Melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australia.
- 1400 people die from melanoma each year.
- It is the most common cancer in Australians aged 15-39.
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