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How To Check Yourself for Skin Cancer

By Mark Stibich, Ph.D., About.com

Updated: March 19, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Checking yourself for skin cancer is as easy as A,B,C,D:
  • Asymmetry
  • Border
  • Color
  • Difference.
Check yourself monthly and you will reduce your risk. Remember skin cancer is almost always treatable if caught early -- so get to know your moles and check in with them regularly.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 5 minutes

Here's How:

  1. Stand in front of a mirror and look over your entire skin for moles. Use a hand mirror to check hard-to-see places. Examine each mole as described below:
  2. A

    Asymmetry:
    Each mole should be symmetric. That means that if you draw a line down the middle, the part of the mole on either side should be a mirror image. If not, find a dermatologist and make an appointment for a skin exam.
  3. B

    Border:
    The border of each mole should be well-defined and clear. If the border is fuzzy, blotchy, or irregular make that appointment with a dermatologist.
  4. C

    Color:
    Moles should be one color. If there is a change in color in the mole, you need to have that mole checked.
  5. D

    Difference:
    Check your moles every month to see if there is any change in them. Each mole should be in the same 'style' as the other moles on your body.

    Source: University of Michigan

What You Need:

  • Large Mirror
  • Hand Mirror

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