Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, but it's also one of the most preventable and treatable—especially when caught early. One of the most effective ways to detect skin cancer early is by performing regular skin checks at home. Knowing what to look for and how to do a proper self-exam can help you identify changes in your skin that may need medical attention.

You don’t need any special tools to get started, just good lighting, a mirror, and a little bit of time once a month.

Start by understanding what you're looking for. The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. While basal and squamous cell carcinomas often appear as new, persistent, or unusual growths, melanoma is more dangerous and tends to show up as a changing mole or spot. The key to early detection is knowing your own skin so you can notice any changes quickly.

Choose a time when you won’t be rushed, and do your skin check in a well-lit room. You’ll need a full-length mirror and a hand mirror. Undress completely so you can examine every area of your body. Check your entire body from head to toe, including places that are hard to see or easy to forget—like your scalp, between your toes, the bottoms of your feet, under your nails, and even your back and buttocks.

Use the ABCDE rule to examine moles or spots on your skin:

A – Asymmetry: One half of the spot doesn’t match the other
B – Border: Edges are irregular, blurred, or jagged
C – Color: The color is uneven or includes shades of black, brown, red, white, or blue
D – Diameter: The spot is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller
E – Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color over time

In addition to the ABCDEs, be on the lookout for any sore that doesn’t heal, a new growth, or a bump that itches, bleeds, or crusts over. These could be signs of non-melanoma skin cancers and should also be checked by a professional.

It’s helpful to use a small notepad or digital tool to keep track of what you find, especially if you have a lot of moles or spots. Take note of their size, shape, and location so you can compare over time. Some people even take photos to better monitor any changes from month to month.

If you see anything suspicious or new, don’t wait to see if it goes away on its own. Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist for a professional skin exam. Dermatologists are trained to identify skin cancers and can perform a biopsy if needed to confirm a diagnosis.

Performing regular skin checks is a habit that could save your life. It takes only a few minutes, but it gives you a much better chance of catching skin cancer early, when treatment is most effective. Make it part of your monthly self-care routine and encourage others in your life to do the same.