This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by
Maurie Markman, MD, President, Medicine & Science.
This page was updated on June 1, 2022.
Skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer in the United States. Among the types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most prevalent, followed by melanoma. It's important to practice skin cancer prevention strategies, which may reduce the risk for developing skin cancer, as well as looking for signs of skin cancer. Early detection is an essential step that may help patients get treatment sooner.
To reduce the risk of developing skin cancer, decrease exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light by avoiding direct sunlight and tanning beds.
Other tips include:
Limit exposure to the sun, especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when rays are typically strongest.
Use sunglasses that protect the eyes from UVA and UVB rays.
Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher when outside longer than 20 minutes.
Check other products for SPF numbers, too, not just sunscreen.
Avoid sunburns, which have been linked to an increased risk of developing melanoma later in life. This is especially important for children.
Avoid tanning booths and beds that use concentrated UV light.
One of the best proactive steps people can take to detect skin cancer early is to perform a self-exam. In general, doctors recommend examining the skin once a month and getting familiar with any freckles, moles and other marks. This may help make it easier to detect changes.
It's important to report any changes to the care team and to see a dermatologist for skin checks once a year.
Supplies needed: A full-length or large mirror, a handheld mirror, a chair or stool, a blow dryer (optional), and a partner or spouse to help (if possible).
How often to perform the checks: Once a month.
In a private room, such as a bathroom or bedroom, with plenty of light:
Stand facing a mirror and look at the skin on the face, ears, neck, chest, stomach, the underarms, each side of the arms, the palms, the backs of the hands, under the fingernails and between the fingers. Women should lift their breasts and examine the skin beneath them.
While sitting down, examine both shins and thighs, the tops of the feet and all toes, including under the toenails.
Use a hand mirror while seated to check the skin on the backs of both thighs, calves and the bottoms of the feet. Do this for each leg separately. Ask a partner or spouse, if available, to help with hard-to-see areas.
Next, use the hand mirror to check the skin on the genital area, buttocks, upper back, lower back, the backs of the ears, and the back of the neck.
Make parts in the hair to assess the skin on the scalp. Use a blow-dryer to clear away hair for a better look at the scalp.
The American Academy of Dermatology provides a body map to help people keep a record of suspicious spots. It’s a good idea to show it to a doctor during an annual physical.
It’s important to remember the ABCDE rule for skin cancer when doing a self-exam. Consider the following signs of skin cancer: