Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States; but it’s also one of the most preventable and treatable when caught early. That’s why regularly checking your skin at home is one of the smartest (and simplest) things you can do for your health.

During Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention month, we want to make early detection easier and less intimidating to do at home. You don’t need any special equipment other than a mirror and good lighting.

Why Skin Checks Matter

When you know what’s normal for your skin, you’re more likely to notice when something changes. Spotting an unusual mole, bump, or patch early gives your provider a better opportunity to diagnose and treat the issue before it can become more serious.

Some skin cancers develop slowly and may not hurt or feel different, which is another reason why regular visual checks are so important.

Skin Cancer Check WFMC Health

How Often Should You Check Your Skin?

Most people should do a self-exam once a month, especially if you have one or more risk factors. Those risk factors include:

  • Having fair skin or getting sunburnt easily
  • Spending an extended amount of time in the sun
  • Having a history of sunburns, tanning bed use, or skin cancer in your family
  • Noticing a lot of moles or spots on your skin

People with higher risk factors are typically recommended to have more frequent checks or annual screenings with a dermatologist.

How to Perform a Skin Check By Yourself at Home

Checking your skin from head to toe doesn’t take long, and it gets easier the more you do it. Here’s how to start:

  1. Get good lighting and a full-length mirror. A hand mirror helps for hard-to-see areas.
  2. Start at the top: Check your scalp (use a blow dryer or comb to move hair aside), ears, face, and neck.
  3. Look at your torso: Front, sides, under your breasts or chest area, and belly.
  4. Check your arms and hands: Don’t forget to look under your arms, in the gaps between your fingers, and even under your nails.
  5. Scan your legs and feet: Front and back of thighs, ankles, soles of your feet, toes, and toenails.
  6. Use the hand mirror for your back, behind, and private areas.

Take note of anything new, changing, or unusual.

The ABCDEs of Melanoma

When looking at moles or spots, remember the “ABCDE Rule.” It can help you spot warning signs of melanoma, which is the most serious type of skin cancer.

  • A = Asymmetry – The mole is not round or the halves don’t match.
  • B = Border – Edges are uneven, blurred, or jagged.
  • C = Color – More than one color or a different shade than the rest of your moles/spots.
  • D = Diameter – Larger than a pencil eraser (about 6mm).
  • E = Evolving – Changing size, shape, color, or behavior (like bleeding or itching).

If you notice any of these signs—or if something just doesn’t look right—make an appointment with your provider. Even if you’re on the fence about something, it’s best to get it checked.

Don’t Forget Prevention

In addition to checking your skin, there are a few easy ways to lower your risk for skin cancer:

  • Use sunscreen daily (SPF 30 or higher)
  • Cover up when outside by wearing protective clothing, like long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats
  • Avoid tanning beds
  • Stay in the shade between when the sun is strongest, typically between 10 AM and 4 PM
  • Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours when outdoors (or more often if swimming or sweating)

Taking care of your skin is taking care of your health. A quick check every month could be the difference maker if you find something questionable. If something seems off, make an appointment with your primary care provider to get it checked out and talk about your next steps.

This article is meant for informational purposes only. If you have questions or would like further information, make an appointment with your primary care provider.

This blog post was first published on WFMCHealth.org.