Skin cancer screening (a guide)

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 100,000 Americans will be diagnosed with a type of skin cancer in 2025. When caught early, most skin cancers have cure rates above 95%. Skin cancer screening involves checking for melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and other suspicious growths before they become dangerous. 

Regular screening takes just 10 minutes monthly but can save your life. Pair your screening routine with our UPF 50+ sun-protective swimwear to stop skin cancer at the source.

The ABCDE rule for detecting skin cancer

The ABCDE rule helps you identify suspicious lesions that need professional attention. 

Asymmetry

Draw an imaginary line through the middle of a mole. The mole is asymmetric if one half doesn't match the other half. Healthy moles are typically symmetrical, while cancerous ones often aren't.

Border

Look for irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined borders. Normal moles have smooth, even edges. Malignant melanoma often has borders that are uneven, notched, or blurred.

Color

Healthy moles are usually one color, typically a shade of brown. Be concerned about moles with multiple colors (black, brown, red, white, or blue) or uneven color distribution within the same mole.

Diameter

Most healthy moles are smaller than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser). While early detection of skin cancer can catch smaller lesions, moles larger than 6 mm deserve extra attention and should be checked by a healthcare provider.

Evolving

Any change in a mole's size, shape, color, elevation, or symptoms (like itching, bleeding, or crusting) is a red flag. New moles appearing after age 30 also warrant professional evaluation.

The "ugly duckling" rule

Trust your instincts. If one mole looks different from the others, that is, if it's the "ugly duckling," have it checked. Your skin follows general growth patterns, and anything that breaks those patterns deserves attention.

How to perform self-examinations

Skin self-examinations are your first line of defense against skin cancer. Think of it as a regular check-in with your skin.

You will need:

• A full-length mirror.
• A hand mirror or smartphone.
• Good lighting (natural daylight works best).
• Privacy and about 10 minutes.

Here’s the step-by-step examination process:

1. Start by examining your face, including eyelids, nose, lips, and inside your mouth. Use your fingers to part your hair section by section, checking your scalp. Skin cancer loves to hide in unexpected places, so don’t forget your ears.
2. Raise your arms and examine your underarms, then look at your forearms, upper arms, and hands. Check between your fingers and under your nails. Many people forget to examine their palms, but melanoma skin cancer can even develop in areas that rarely see the sun.
3. Examine your chest, belly, neck, and shoulders. For your back, use a hand mirror or ask a family member to help. Squamous cell carcinoma often appears on sun-exposed areas, like the shoulders and upper back.
4. Check your buttocks, genital area, and legs. Sit down to examine the soles of your feet, between your toes, and under your toenails. 
5. Take photos of any moles or spots that look different. Your smartphone can help you track changes over time. Note the size, color, and location of anything that catches your attention.

How often should you self-check for skin cancer?

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends monthly self-examinations. Skin cancer can develop quickly, but monthly checks give you the best chance of catching changes early. Choose the same date each month, and make it a routine. It's frequent enough to spot problems but not so often that you become desensitized to your skin's normal variations.

How often should you receive a professional skin cancer check?

Besides self-checks, you should get periodic professional skin cancer checks based on your health and risk level:

• Once a year for most adults with average risk.
• Every 6 months if you have risk factors for skin cancer, like a family history of skin cancer, atypical moles, or fair skin.
• Every 3–4 months if you have a history of skin cancer or atypical nevi.

You may need more frequent screening if you have:

• Family history of melanoma or unusual moles.
• Personal history of melanoma or other skin cancers.
• More than 50 moles anywhere on your body.
• History of sunburns or significant sun exposure over the years.
• Fair skin, light-colored eyes, or red/blonde hair.
• Weakened immune system from medications or medical conditions.
• Genetic disorders that increase your skin cancer risk.

Try to track your schedule. Many people find it helpful to do their self-exam on the same day they perform seasonal chores or other quarterly or biannual maintenance tasks.

When is it time to see a dermatologist?

Don't wait for your annual check-up if you notice these warning signs. Your healthcare provider wants to see concerning changes sooner rather than later.

Schedule an immediate appointment for:

• New moles appearing after age 30.
• Unusual moles that follow the ABCDE rule.
• Sores that don't heal within 2–3 weeks.
• Moles that itch, bleed, or become tender.
• Pigmented lesions that change rapidly in size or color.
• Any spot that looks significantly different from your other moles.

Schedule an urgent consultation for a mole that has changed dramatically in appearance, suspicious lesions with irregular borders or multiple colors, bleeding from a mole or skin growth, or a sore that heals and returns repeatedly. 

Your dermatologist will perform a clinical examination for skin cancer using a dermatoscope. They may recommend a skin biopsy if they find precancerous lesions or suspicious lesions. 

Regular skin cancer screening saves lives. The American Academy of Dermatology Association reports that when caught early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99%.

How to protect yourself from skin cancer

Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for melanoma and other types of skin cancers. While you can't eliminate every skin cancer risk, simple daily habits can reduce your chances of developing this common form of cancer.

Avoid peak sun hours

Stay in the shade between 10 AM and 2 PM when UV rays are strongest. If your shadow is shorter than you, seek shade. Exposure to UV radiation is most intense during midday hours when people are most likely to visit the beach or pool.

Wear protective clothing

Cover up with long sleeves, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat that protects multiple layers of skin. Choose UPF 50+ sun-protective swimwear that blocks 98% of harmful UV rays. 

SwimZip's UPF swimwear meets the highest sun protection standards and comes with the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation.

Use sunscreen correctly

Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ to all exposed skin 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 2 hours and immediately after swimming or sweating. Sunscreen works best as part of a complete skin cancer prevention strategy, not as your only defense against melanoma.

Skip tanning beds

Tanning beds and indoor tanning beds increase melanoma incidence by 75%. If you want color, use self-tanner instead, but continue using sunscreen when outdoors. There's no such thing as a "safe" tan from artificial UV sources. 

Educate your family

Skin cancer prevention starts in childhood when quality-of-life habits form. Teach your children the signs of skin cancer and how to perform self-checks. For outdoor adventures, family matching swimwear makes sun protection fun and builds healthy habits that last a lifetime. Kids who learn sun safety early carry these preventive behaviors into adulthood, reducing their lifelong risk for skin cancer.

Know your screening options

Talk to your primary care provider about screening for skin cancer based on your skin cancer risk factors. Those with fair skin, light-colored eyes, a family health history of skin cancer, or atypical moles need extra protection.

You can't eliminate your risk of melanoma, but you can reduce it. Combine smart sun habits with regular medical care and professional screening to give yourself the best protection against skin cancer.

Protect your family with SwimZip swimwear

SwimZip's UPF 50+ sun-protective swimwear blocks 98% of harmful UV rays that cause skin cancer. We proudly hold a Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, which means you don't have to wonder if our swimwear actually works. It's been tested and verified by the experts.

Your kids' skin is especially vulnerable to sun damage, so protecting them now prevents problems later. Try our family matching swimwear to make sun protection feel like fun instead of a chore. You can protect your children from the sun and other swim hazards with bright, high-visibility options that help you quickly spot them. We've got swimwear for everyone, from tiny tots to grown-ups.

Shop SwimZip's sun-protective swimwear and give your family the protection they need.

Skin cancer FAQ

At what age should you start a skin cancer screening program?

Most healthcare providers recommend starting annual skin checks around age 20 for average-risk individuals. If you have risk factors like fair skin, a family history of skin cancer, or many moles, you should begin earlier detection in your teens. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force notes insufficient evidence for universal screening, so timing depends on your risk for skin cancer. Talk to your primary care provider about when to start based on your situation.

How long can you have skin cancer without knowing?

Skin cancer can develop silently for months or even years. Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer typically grow slowly over 1–3 years before becoming noticeable. Some types of melanoma develop quickly within weeks, while others progress slowly over years. Advanced skin cancer may not cause symptoms until it reaches later stages. This is why regular self-exams are crucial for earlier detection before cancer spreads to distant stages.

What can be mistaken for skin cancer?

Many harmless conditions look like skin cancer. Benign nevi (normal moles), age spots, and seborrheic keratoses often resemble melanoma. Eczema, psoriasis, and rashes can mimic squamous cell carcinoma. Even pre-cancer lesions, like actinic keratoses, appear similar to early skin cancers. Since visual diagnosis is challenging, any suspicious spot warrants professional evaluation. A dermatologist can distinguish between potential melanoma and harmless skin changes through proper diagnostic follow-up.

What does stage 1 skin cancer look like?

Stage 1 skin cancer is a localized disease confined to the skin's surface. Melanoma appears as an irregular mole following the ABCDE rule: asymmetrical, with uneven borders, multiple colors, diameter over 6 mm, or evolving changes. Squamous cell carcinoma looks like a red, scaly patch or raised bump that may bleed or form crusts. Basal cell carcinoma appears as a pearly bump or flat, flesh-colored lesion. At this stage, treatment options are effective with excellent outcomes.

Why should I take photos during my skin cancer screening?

Photographs of moles and suspicious spots help track changes over time. Use your smartphone to document any melanocytic nevi or unusual areas from the same angle and lighting each month. This creates a visual record that helps you notice subtle changes that might otherwise go undetected. Many dermatologists now use screening test options that include digital photography for cancer-related check-ups. You need good lighting and consistent positioning to make comparisons meaningful between visits.

Should I see a dermatologist or my regular doctor?

Primary care clinicians can perform basic skin checks during routine visits, but dermatologists have specialized training in cutaneous melanoma detection. Your regular doctor might catch obvious problems during opportunistic screening, but they may miss subtle dysplastic nevi or early skin changes. Dermatologists use advanced tools and have expertise in distinguishing between different types of cancer. For high-risk patients, dermatology-specific screening offers better potential benefits for catching advanced melanoma early. 

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