Skin Cancer Awareness Month is Coming: How to Perform a Skin Self-Check

Skin Cancer Awareness Month is right around the corner, and there’s no better time to get familiar with your skin. Get ready for May with Chicago Skin Clinic by learning about the most common types of skin cancer, how to perform a skin self-check, and what to expect at a professional skin cancer screening! Plus, we’ll help you stay one step ahead of skin cancer with tips to protect you and your skin year-round.

Why Skin Cancer Awareness Matters

1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. More than 5 million skin cases in roughly 3.3 million people are diagnosed in the USA each year. Some forms are mild and slow-growing, while others can spread quickly and become life-threatening. The good news is that skin cancer can be detected early if you know the warning signs and what to look for.

Catching skin cancer early could mean less invasive treatment, better outcomes, and peace of mind. By staying informed and doing regular checks, you give yourself the best chance to catch and treat issues before they become too serious. It can also help you avoid stressing over a completely normal mole—and let’s be honest, we could all use a little less unnecessary stress!

Common Types Of Skin Cancer You Should Know About

Like most illnesses, different skin cancer types produce different symptoms and warning signs. 

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): Typically appears as a pearly bump or a flat, flesh-toned patch. It often shows up on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, or neck. This type is most common in Black and Hispanic individuals.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): May look like a red, scaly patch, a wart-like growth, or a sore that doesn’t heal. SCC can grow deeper into the skin if left untreated.
• Melanoma: The most dangerous type. It might appear as a new dark spot or a mole that changes in shape, color, or size. Early detection is especially important for melanoma, as it can spread to other parts of the body. Fortunately, it’s one of the easiest cancers to detect!

It’s important to acknowledge that skin cancer doesn’t look the same for everyone. This is why it is important to follow up with a dermatologist to properly diagnose or monitor. 

How To Do A Skin Self-Check At Home

A skin self-check should only take a few minutes and can fit easily into your monthly routine. Choose a day you’ll remember each month. Use a full-length mirror and a hand mirror in a well-lit room, and take your time checking your entire body.

Here is a checklist (pun not intended) to ensure you don’t miss an area:

• Scalp and hairline
• Ears (front and back)
• Neck and underarms
• Chest, back, and abdomen
• Arms, hands, fingers, and under fingernails
• Legs, feet, toes, and soles

You’re looking for suspicious things like:

• New moles or spots that weren’t there before
• Sores that don’t heal
• Bumps that crust, bleed, or itch
• Anything that feels different from the rest of your skin

And don’t forget your ABCDEs for moles and spots:

• Asymmetry: One side doesn’t match the other
• Border: Irregular, blurred, or jagged edges
• Color: More than one shade or an unusual color
• Diameter: Larger than a pencil eraser (6mm)
• Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or symptoms like itching or bleeding

If you see something that raises questions, reach out to your Chicago dermatologist at Chicago Skin Clinic. Don’t try to self-diagnose or wait to see if it goes away. Monitor your concerns with a log (and images, if you can) until your appointment.

When To See A Dermatologist

Even if nothing looks suspicious, regular professional skin exams are important. Most people benefit from yearly checkups starting around age 30, though that may vary based on personal history or skin.

For example, if you have a family history of skin cancer, burn easily, have very fair skin, have a lot of moles or freckles, or spend a lot of time in the sun or tanning beds, you may need to be seen sooner or more often.

What A Skin Cancer Screening Looks Like

If you’ve never had a full-body skin check, you might feel a little unsure about it or intimidated by the name. Let’s go over what a skin cancer screening looks like at Chicago Skin Clinic so you can feel confident about scheduling your first appointment and having regular check-ups.

We start by talking through your health history and any concerns you have. Then, you’ll be given a gown so board-certified dermatologists Dr. Danny or Dr. Del Campo can take a close look at your skin from head to toe. We check all areas, including ones you might not be able to look at yourself, like your scalp, back, and the bottoms of your feet.

If we spot anything unusual, we’ll take a closer look using a tool called a dermatoscope. It allows us to see structures beneath the surface of the skin. In some cases, we may recommend a small biopsy. This involves taking a sample for lab testing, which helps confirm whether a spot is benign or needs treatment.

Before you leave, we’ll explain what we saw, answer your questions, and share next steps based on what we find. If everything looks normal, we’ll help you decide when to come in again for your next screening.

Why These Checks Matter

Changes in your skin are easier to spot when you’re checking regularly. A spot might be small or easy to overlook. That’s why these checks—both at home and in the office—can be so important. The earlier you notice a change, the better your chances of treating it with minimal interruption to your life.

Tips To Help Protect Your Skin Year-Round

Skin checks are one piece of a bigger picture. Daily habits can go a long way in lowering your risk of skin cancer:

• Apply sunscreen every morning, even in winter or when you don’t plan to go outside (some UV rays can penetrate windows)
• Skip tanning beds altogether
• Wear protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats outdoors
• Stick to the shade between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun is strongest

These habits aren’t about being perfect—they’re about staying consistent. A few small changes in your routine can help protect your skin long-term.

Take Action For Your Skin Health

Don’t wait for a visible problem to make skin health a priority. Contact our Chicago office today to book an appointment with Dr. Danny or Dr. Del Campo. You’ll get answers, expert care, and a plan built around you. We’re here to help you keep your skin safe, this month and every month after.

Posted by Chicago Skin Clinic