Skin checks

Knowing your skin and watching for changes can help you find skin cancer early.

Rosa: Hi, I'm Rosa. Getting to know your skin helps you spot changes early. Let me show you what to look for.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Most skin cancers can be treated well when found early. Melanoma is a less common but more serious type.

There is no set screening schedule for skin cancer for most people. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (2023) says there is not enough research to know if routine full-body skin exams by a doctor help adults without symptoms. The American Cancer Society does not have a skin screening guideline either. But many doctors suggest checking your own skin regularly, often once a month.

Some people are at higher risk and may need regular skin exams by a doctor. This includes people who have had skin cancer before, have many moles or unusual moles, have a family history of melanoma, have a weak immune system, or have had a lot of sun or tanning bed use.

To check your skin, use a bright room, a full-length mirror, and a hand mirror. Look at your whole body, including your scalp, the bottoms of your feet, between your toes, and under your nails. Ask someone to help check your back. Skin cancer can happen in people of every skin color. In people with darker skin, it often shows up on the palms, soles, or under the nails.

A is for asymmetry

One half of the spot does not match the other half.

B is for border

The edges are ragged, uneven, or blurry.

C is for color

The color is not the same all over. It may have shades of brown, black, pink, red, white, or blue.

D is for diameter

The spot is larger than a pencil eraser, though melanomas can be smaller.

E is for evolving

The spot is changing in size, shape, or color.

The ugly duckling

A spot that looks different from all your other spots is worth showing your doctor.

Other warning signs

A sore that does not heal, a spot that bleeds or itches, or a rough, scaly patch.

• Check your skin once a month. Take phone photos of moles to compare over time.
• Show your doctor any new, changing, or unusual spot.
• Ask your doctor if you need regular skin exams because of your risk.
• Remember your scalp, feet, nails, and genital area.

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.