How to Do a Proper At-Home Skin Check
A 10-minute monthly habit that could save your life.
Invasive melanoma diagnoses rose ~46.6% over the decade 2016-2026 (Skin Cancer Foundation).
With five or more sunburns roughly doubling your lifetime melanoma risk, catching changes early is the part of prevention you fully control.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get a skin check?
Examine your own skin about monthly, and see a dermatologist for a professional check at least yearly — more often if you have many moles, fair skin, a history of sunburns or skin cancer, or a family history. Early detection makes melanoma highly treatable.
What does the ABCDE mole rule mean?
ABCDE is a checklist for spotting possible melanoma: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than about 6 mm (a pencil eraser), and Evolving size, shape or color. Any mole meeting these — or simply changing — warrants a dermatologist's evaluation.
How many sunburns increase skin cancer risk?
Risk rises with cumulative burns: research links five or more sunburns to roughly double the risk of melanoma, and even one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles lifetime risk. Preventing burns at every age meaningfully lowers risk.
r/SkincareScience: 'Does sunscreen actually lower skin cancer risk, or is that marketing?'
Sources & citations
- Skin Cancer Foundation, 2026 Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics
- ascopubs.org ↗