A Simple Routine That Could Save Your Life
Skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide—but when caught early, it’s often highly treatable.
Doing a monthly self-exam is a smart way to spot changes early and get professional care if needed.
🌟 Why Do a Skin Self-Exam?
- Detect skin cancer early—especially melanoma
- Identify abnormal moles, discoloration, or new growths
- Stay aware of changes in your skin between doctor visits
🔍 What Should I Look For?
During your self-exam, watch for the following:
âś… The ABCDEs of Melanoma
Letter |
Meaning |
What to Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| A | Asymmetry | One half doesn’t match the other |
| B | Border | Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges |
| C | Color | Multiple colors or uneven coloring |
| D | Diameter | Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser) |
| E | Evolving | Changes in size, shape, color, or new symptoms (itching, bleeding, crusting) |
âť— Also Watch for:
- New growths or sores that don’t heal
- Redness or swelling beyond the edge of a mole
- Lumps or bumps under the skin
- Patches of discoloration (lighter or darker)
- Areas that itch, bleed, or feel tender
🪞 How to Perform a Full Body Self Skin Exam
Frequency: Once a month
Time Required: About 10–15 minutes
Tools Needed:
- Full-length mirror
- Hand-held mirror
- Bright light
- Chair or stool
- Phone or notebook to track changes or take photos
đź‘Ł Step-by-Step Guide:
- Face & Scalp: Look at your face, ears, neck, and scalp. Use a hand mirror and blow-dryer to check your scalp thoroughly.
- Upper Body: Check your front, chest, breasts, underarms, and sides of your torso. Use the mirror to inspect the back of your neck and shoulders.
- Arms & Hands: Check tops and undersides of arms, elbows, wrists, palms, and between your fingers.
- Back & Buttocks: Use a hand mirror to inspect your entire back, buttocks, and back of the thighs.
- Lower Body: Sit down and check your legs, ankles, tops and soles of feet, between toes, and under toenails. Don’t forget the genital area—use a mirror if needed.
📱 Track Changes
Take photos or keep a skin journal to document moles or spots.
Look for changes month-to-month—even subtle ones matter.
đź©ş When to See a Doctor
Contact a dermatologist if you notice:
- A new or changing mole
- A sore that won’t heal
- Persistent itch, pain, or bleeding
- Anything you feel “just isn’t right”
Early detection is key to effective treatment.
🧠Helpful Resources & References
- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD): www.aad.org/public
- Skin Cancer Foundation: www.skincancer.org
- National Cancer Institute – Skin Cancer Info: www.cancer.gov/types/skin
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin
đź’ˇ Final Tip
Perform your skin self-exam in the same way each month so it becomes a routine. The more familiar you are with your skin, the easier it is to notice when something changes.
Your skin is your first line of defense—take care of it.