Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it’s constantly changing. A monthly skin self-exam is one of the most effective ways to detect skin cancer early—when it’s most treatable. The best part? It takes about 10 minutes once a month.
At Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Northern California, we believe education is prevention. Early awareness, paired with the right next steps, makes all the difference.
– Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S.
– When detected early, most skin cancers are highly treatable
– You’re the first line of defense—you’ll notice subtle changes before your provider
Think of your monthly self-exam as routine maintenance for your skin health—just like brushing your teeth or scheduling regular checkups.
When:
– Once a month
– Pick the same date each month for consistency
What You’ll Need:
– Full-length mirror
– Handheld mirror
– Bright lighting
– Your phone (to photograph spots you want to monitor)
1. Face & Scalp
2. Check your face, nose, lips, and ears (front and back)
3. Part your hair with a comb or blow dryer to examine your scalp
4. Ask a partner or stylist for help with hard-to-see areas
5. Upper Body
6. Neck, chest, and torso
7. Women: lift breasts to check underneath
8. Underarms, both sides of arms, palms, and fingernails
9. Back Side
10. Use both mirrors to check your upper and lower back
11. Look at buttocks and backs of legs
12. Lower Body
13. Front and back of legs
14. Feet, soles, heels, and between toes
15. Toenails and nail beds
Tip: Take your time. Familiarity helps you spot changes early.
– A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other
– B – Border: Irregular or poorly defined edges
– C – Color: Multiple colors or uneven shading
– D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (size of a pencil eraser)
– E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or symptoms
– New growths
– Sores that don’t heal
– Red, scaly, or crusted patches
– Spots that itch, bleed, or feel tender
If something feels off, trust your instincts.
Your health comes first. We will help you take the right next steps if we identify a concerning spot.
– We can refer you to a medical dermatology clinic that accepts your insurance
– With your permission, we’ll share clinical notes, images, and findings to support continuity of care
Your skin health doesn’t stop at our door—we’re here to guide you through the process.
– Take photos of spots you want to monitor
– Note dates and any changes in size, color, or texture
– Bring photos to your professional skin exam
This helps both you and your provider track changes accurately.
Don’t wait if you notice any new, changing, or concerning lesions.
– Annual full-body skin exams are recommended for most adults
– More frequent exams for higher-risk individuals (sun damage, fair skin, personal/family history of skin cancer)
At Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Northern California, we’re committed to education, prevention, and expert care.
Ask us about sun protection and medical-grade skincare—because healthy skin starts with awareness and is supported by coordinated care.
