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Skin Cancer Screening

Skin cancer can be caught early by checking the skin for certain changes. This is called skin cancer screening. Skin cancer is more treatable when found early.

Some childhood cancer survivors are at risk for a second cancer. The most common second cancer in childhood cancer survivors is skin cancer. Patients who have had radiation therapy or who have certain gene changes are at higher risk.

A mole or skin lesion is the most common sign of skin cancer. Doctors recommend regular skin exams to find these changes.

There are 2 methods of skin cancer screening.

  • Your primary care provider can do a full-body skin exam.
  • You can check your own skin for signs of skin cancer. This is a self-exam.

Full-body skin exam

 Ask for a full-body skin exam when you visit your primary care provider for a checkup. This should be done at least once a year. A national study of doctors showed they are more likely to screen when their patient requests it.

You can also see a dermatologist for skin cancer screening. A dermatologist is a doctor trained to diagnose and treat skin problems. The American Academy of Dermatology sponsors free SPOTme® skin cancer screenings.

Skin cancer self-exams

You should perform skin self-exams each month.

To do a skin self-exam, look closely at your whole body, front and back. Use a full-length mirror and hand mirror. Have a person you trust check hard-to-see areas.

Make sure to check:

  • Under your arms and on both sides of each arm
  • Tops and palms of your hands
  • Front and back of both legs
  • Tops and soles of each foot and between toes
  • Buttocks and between your buttocks
  • Genital area
  • Face, neck, and scalp

Types of skin cancer

There are 2 types of skin cancer: non-melanoma skin cancer and melanoma.  

Non-melanoma skin cancer includes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. 

Symptoms of non-melanoma skin cancer

Common signs and symptoms of non-melanoma skin cancer:

A lump that is small, smooth, shiny, pale, or waxy

 
This picture shows a skin cancer lesion that is small, smooth, shiny, and pale.
 

A lump that is firm and red

This picture shows a skin cancer lesion that is firm and red.

A sore or lump that bleeds or develops a crust or a scab

 
This picture shows a skin cancer lesion that has a scab.
 

A flat, red spot that is rough, dry, or scaly and may become itchy or tender

This picture shows a skin cancer lesion that is flat, dry and scaly.

A red or brown patch that is rough or scaly

 
This picture shows a skin cancer lesion that is red and brown, very rough, and scaly.
 

Images sourced from the website of the National Cancer Institute (https://www.cancer.gov).

Symptoms of melanoma

Often the first sign of melanoma is a change in the shape, color, size, or feel of an existing mole. 

The ABCDE method can help detect melanoma:

  • Asymmetry – Half of the spot is unlike the other half.
  • Border – The spot has an irregular or poorly defined border.
  • Color – The spot has different colors from one area to the next such as shades of tan and brown; sometimes white, red, or blue.
  • Diameter – Melanomas are usually greater than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed. They can be smaller.
  • Evolution – The mole or spot looks different from the rest or changes size, shape, or color.
 
This picture shows a melanoma lesion without a clearly defined border.
This picture shows a melanoma lesion with varying colors.
 

Keep a record of body moles

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has a free body mole map to help you keep track of moles. A record helps detect spots that are growing, bleeding, itching, or changing in any way.

For information on how to conduct a self-exam, visit the AAD’s Detect Skin Cancer section.

If you notice any signs or symptoms, contact a health care provider for a follow-up exam.

Key points about skin cancer screenings

  • Skin cancer screening can help you find skin cancer early.
  • Your primary care provider or a dermatologist can do a full-body skin exam.
  • You can check your own skin for possible signs of skin cancer. This is a self-exam.
  • There are 2 types of skin cancer: non-melanoma skin cancer and melanoma. 
  • Keep track of moles and skin changes and see a doctor if you have any concerns.

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Together does not endorse any branded product mentioned in this article.

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Reviewed: January 2023

Melanoma

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer most often seen in adults. However, although rare, melanoma affects about 300-400 children and adolescents each year in the United States.

Learn more about Melanoma

How to Prevent Skin Cancer

Protecting skin from the sun is the best way to prevent skin cancer, and it is especially important for childhood cancer survivors. Skin cancer is the most common second cancer in childhood cancer survivors.

Learn more

Second Cancers

Although rare, the very treatment that saves a child's life may cause a second cancer to develop later.

Learn more