ABCDEs of Skin Cancer

How do I check my skin for melanoma?

You can perform this skin check at home. Use a well-lit room, a full-length mirror and a hand mirror. Follow these steps:

1. Start with your front and back. Use the full-length mirror to examine your entire front and back.
2. Check both sides. Raise your arms and look at the left and right sides of your body.
3. Look inside your mouth. Check your lips, tongue and inner cheeks.
4. Examine your arms and hands. With your elbows bent, check your forearms, upper arms, palms and between your fingers.
5. Check hard-to-see areas. Use mirrors to look at your back, butt and genital area.
6. Lift your breasts. If you have breasts, lift them to see the skin underneath.
7. Look at your legs and feet. Sit down if needed. Check the backs of your legs, soles of your feet and between your toes.
8. Check your scalp and neck. Use both mirrors to inspect the back of your scalp and neck. Part your hair or use a blow dryer for a closer look. Ask your hairdresser or barber to point out any unusual spots.

During your self-exam, note any moles, blemishes or birthmarks from head to toe. Use a small ruler to measure their size, and watch for changes in color, shape or size, or any sore that doesn’t heal. Taking photos can help you track changes over time.

How often should I examine my skin?

Check your skin about once a month, ideally after a bath or shower. Keep track of any spots or changes and where they appear. Contact your provider if you notice anything new or changing.

What are the benefits of a skin self-examination?

Checking your skin may feel unfamiliar at first, but it’s a simple habit that comes with real power. There’s no harm in doing it, and it could help you spot something important.

Skin changes often appear slowly. Getting to know your skin well means you’ll be able to easily spot when something’s out of place. That awareness may lead to faster answers. Catching skin cancer in its early stages gives you more options — and a much better shot at successful treatment.

But don’t panic — not every skin change is cancer. And not every lesion that meets the ABCDE or ugly duckling criteria is skin cancer. You should still trust your instincts. And if something doesn’t look or feel right, reach out to your provider. A quick check-in could make all the difference.