Finding skin cancer early

When skin cancer (non-melanoma or melanoma) is found and treated early, the chances of successful treatment are better. Get regular health checkups and see your doctor if you have any symptoms or are worried about your health.

If you have a higher than average risk, you may need to visit your doctor more often to check for skin cancer. Talk to your doctor about tests that can help find skin cancer early, including checking your skin and having skin exams by a trained healthcare professional.

Check your skin regularly for changes. This will help you get to know what is normal for your skin and notice when something may be wrong.

See your doctor if you find any changes on your skin.

Check your skin in a well-lit room. Use a large mirror (full-length, if you have one) so you can look closely at your entire body. You will also need a hand mirror. Someone you trust can help you check areas that are hard to see.

Raise your arms and look at the right and left sides of your body in the mirror. Check your underarm areas and both sides of your arms. Look at your hands, each finger, your fingernails and the spaces between your fingers.

Look at the back, front and sides of your legs. Look at the tops and soles of your feet, your toenails and the spaces between your toes. Also check your genital area and between your buttocks.

Look at your face, neck, back of your neck and your scalp. Use a hand mirror and a larger mirror, along with a comb, to check your scalp.

Skin cancer usually starts as an abnormal area or change on any part of the skin. Look for and make note of any changes including:

• a sore that doesn’t heal or comes back after healing
• a mole or sore that oozes, bleeds or is crusty
• a change in the colour, size or shape of a mole or birthmark
• a growth or area that is itchy, irritated or sore
• rough or scaly red or dark patches
• small, smooth and shiny lumps that are pearly white, pink or red
• white or pale yellow flat areas that look like scars
• raised lumps that indent (go down) in the centre

Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any changes to your skin. Your doctor will do a skin exam to check the specific area and look for any signs of skin cancer. You may be referred to a specialist, such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

You may have a skin biopsy to check for cancer.

A skin exam allows your doctor or other trained health professional to look for any signs of skin cancer or abnormal areas of skin. It's often done as part of a yearly health checkup. Getting regular and thorough skin exams can help find skin cancer early.

Find out more about skin exams.