How to Do a Skin Cancer Self Check (ABCDE Guide + When to See a Dermatologist)

A skin cancer self check helps you spot early warning signs such as new or changing moles, unusual growths, or sores that don’t heal. Using the ABCDE rule and a monthly routine, you can monitor your skin effectively and know when to seek expert advice.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, but treatable if detected early. Self check-ups play their part. Here’s what to keep an eye on – and how. 

What to look for when checking your skin

Look for anything new, changing, or unusual:

• A new growth that’s pearly, transparent, brown, black, or multi-coloured
• A mole, birthmark or brown spot which has changed in size, shape or colour. See ‘New or changing moles’ below for more details
• A spot that continues to itch, hurt, scab or bleed
• An open sore that doesn’t heal within three weeks

The ABCDE rule for moles

With moles, follow the ‘ABCDE’ rules:

• Asymmetry – the two halves of a mole may differ in shape
• Border – the edges may be irregular or blurred, and sometimes show notches
• Colour – it may be uneven. Different shades of brown, black or pink may be visible
• Diameter – most skin cancer melanomas are at least 6mm in diameter. Report any changes to your doctor
• Expert – if in doubt, get it checked. Your GP can help or book directly with our dermatology doctors who have 20 years’ experience in diagnosing skin cancer. Book online, call us on 020 3941 1815, or contact us here. 

How to do a full skin self-exam at home

Grab a hand-held mirror, stand in front of a full-length mirror, and check the following: 

1. Face. Nose, lips, mouth, and the front and back of the ears 
2. Scalp. Part hair into sections and use the hand-held mirror to reflect into the full-length mirror
3. Hands. Palms and backs, between fingers and under fingernails. Continue up the wrists, and examine the front and back of forearms
4. Arms. Standing in front of the full-length mirror, begin at the elbows and scan all sides of the upper arms, including underneath
5. Chest. Focus on the neck, chest and torso. Lift breasts to check underneath
6. Upper back. With your back to the full-length mirror, use the hand-held mirror to inspect the back of the neck, shoulders, upper back, and the back of your upper arms not visible in step 4
7. Lower back. Still using both mirrors, scan the lower back, bum and backs of both legs
8. Legs. Sit down, then prop each leg in turn on a stool or chair. Use the hand-held mirror to examine the genitals. Check the front and sides of both legs, thigh to shin. The finish with ankles and feet, including the soles, toes and nails (without nail polish)

How often should you check your skin?

Dermatologists recommend you do this once a month. If you’ve never checked your skin before, so are unsure of what’s new or changed, book an examination with a dermatologist – ours have over 20 years of experience.  In any case, the Skin Cancer Foundation advises doing a skin check annually.

When to see a dermatologist

If you have concerns over a changing or new mole, book with your GP (if you prefer the NHS route) or with us right away so it can be checked quickly. 

Download this advice as a pdf – Mole check guide

Contact us on 02039411815 or hello@23skin.co.uk.

Stay safe in the sun
No. 23 Skin x

Disclaimer:
The information in this blog is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never delay seeking care or disregard medical advice because of something you have read here.