In this guide, we’ll show you how to check for skin cancer at home, step by step, so you can spot changes early and seek care when needed.
Why It’s Important to Know How to Check for Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., but it’s also one of the most preventable and curable when found early. Learning how to check for skin cancer empowers you to monitor your body for signs that something isn’t quite right. Detecting changes early can lead to simpler treatments and better long-term outcomes.
How Often Should You Check?
We recommend learning how to check for skin cancer and performing a self-exam once a month. Frequent checks help you recognize what’s normal for your skin—and what’s new or changing.
What You’ll Need:
To properly learn how to check for skin cancer at home, you’ll want to have the following on hand:
- A full-length mirror
- A hand-held mirror
- Good lighting
- A comb or hairdryer (for examining the scalp)
- A notebook or smartphone to track any changes
Step-by-Step Guide: How to check for skin cancer at home
Examine Your Face and Scalp
Start by checking your face: forehead, cheeks, nose, lips, ears and around the eyes. Use a hand mirror to inspect the back of your ears. When learning how to check for skin cancer, don’t forget your scalp—use a comb or hairdryer to part your hair and inspect in sections.
Check Your Arms and Hands
Look at both sides of your hands, your palms and in between your fingers. Continue checking your wrists, forearms, elbows and upper arms. Don’t overlook your underarms—these are common sites often missed by those learning how to check for cancer.
Inspect Your Torso
Stand in front of a mirror and check your neck, chest and stomach. Lift any folds of skin and, for women, the breasts, to look underneath. Knowing how to check for skin cancer means being thorough, even in places you don’t usually see.
Use a Mirror for Your Back
Turn around and use a hand mirror to inspect your upper and lower back, shoulder blades and the backs of your arms and legs. Enlist a partner if needed—they can be a huge help when learning how to check for cancer.
Don’t Forget Your Legs and Feet
Sit down to check the front, back and sides of your thighs and calves. Examine your feet, including the soles, heels, between the toes and under your toenails. These are often-overlooked areas when figuring out how to check for skin cancer effectively.
What to Look For
Part of learning how to check for skin cancer is understanding what’s normal—and what isn’t. Use the ABCDE rule to evaluate moles or spots:
- A – Asymmetry: One half looks different than the other
- B – Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred
- C – Color: Multiple or uneven colors
- D – Diameter: Greater than 6mm in diameter (roughly the size of a pencil eraser)
- E – Evolving: Evolving in size, shape, or color over time
Also, watch for:
- New growths
- Sores that don’t heal
- Itchy or bleeding spots
- Red, scaly patches
If you see any of these signs while practicing how to check for skin cancer, contact your dermatologist promptly.
Keep Track of Your Skin Over Time
Knowing how to check for skin cancer also means tracking changes. Take notes or photos of any moles or lesions, and update them with each monthly exam. This log can be extremely helpful during dermatology appointments.
When to See a Dermatologist
While it’s essential to know how to check for skin cancer at home, nothing replaces a professional skin exam. We recommend annual full-body skin checks for most people—and more frequent visits if you have risk factors like fair skin, history of sunburns, or a family history of skin cancer.
Trust Chang Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center for Your Skin Health
Now that you know how to check for skin cancer, let us support you with comprehensive care. At Chang Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center in Virginia Beach, VA, we specialize in skin cancer prevention, detection and treatment. Dr. Chang and our experienced team provide compassionate, thorough skin exams and offer advanced treatments, including Mohs surgery and cryosurgery.
Schedule Your Skin Check in Virginia Beach, VA Today
If you notice something suspicious—or simply want a professional opinion—request your appointment today. Combine your monthly at-home checks with expert care from the team at Chang Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center. Protect your health. Know how to check for skin cancer—and never check alone.