How to check for skin cancer is an important question if you have noticed a new mole, a changing skin mark or a sore that does not seem to heal. Checking your skin regularly can help you recognise unusual changes early, although only a qualified healthcare professional can assess whether a mark may be cancerous.
Skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body, including areas that receive little sunlight. The two main categories are melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Melanoma can develop in an existing mole or appear as a new mark, while other skin cancers may look like persistent sores, unusual growths or scaly patches. NHS+1
This step-by-step guide explains how to examine your skin at home, apply the ABCDE rule, recognise warning signs across different skin tones and understand when to contact your GP in the UK.
Important: Home skin checks do not diagnose or rule out cancer. If you notice a suspicious or changing skin lesion, arrange a medical assessment rather than waiting for your next routine check.
Quick answer: How to check for skin cancer at home?
To check your skin, examine your body in a well-lit room using a full-length mirror and a hand mirror. Look for new moles, changes in existing moles, irregular borders, uneven colouring, unusual growths and sores that do not heal. Pay attention to any mark that looks different from your other moles or continues to change.
Use the ABCDE rule to identify possible warning signs of melanoma:
- A — Asymmetry: The two halves look different.
- B — Border: The edges are irregular, blurred or uneven.
- C — Colour: The mark contains different or uneven colours.
- D — Diameter: The mark is around 6 mm or wider, although melanoma can be smaller.
- E — Evolving: The mark changes in size, shape, colour, texture or sensation.
Contact your GP if you notice any suspicious changes, a persistent unusual mark or a sore that does not heal. Do not wait for a mole to display all five ABCDE features before seeking advice. NHS+1
Step 1: Prepare for a thorough skin check
You do not need specialist equipment to examine your skin at home. A few simple items can make it easier to identify changes.
Before starting, gather:
- A full-length mirror.
- A small hand mirror for areas that are difficult to see.
- Good natural or bright indoor lighting.
- A phone or camera to photograph a mark for comparison, if useful.
- A notebook or secure photo record to track changes over time.
Choose a time when you can examine your skin without rushing. Remove clothing as needed so you can see your skin clearly, including areas normally covered by clothes.
If a partner or trusted person can help, ask them to check areas such as your back, scalp and the backs of your legs. Avoid relying on photographs or phone applications as a substitute for medical assessment.
Step 2: Examine your face, scalp and neck
Begin with your face and head, where sun exposure can contribute to skin damage.
Look carefully at your:
- Forehead, temples and cheeks.
- Nose, lips and the skin around your mouth.
- Ears, including behind the ears.
- Hairline and scalp.
- Neck and the back of your neck.
Part your hair in sections to inspect the scalp. A hand mirror or another person’s help may make this easier.
Look for a new or changing mole, a persistent rough patch, a shiny or pearly growth, an unusual lump or a sore that repeatedly crusts or bleeds.
Skin cancer does not always appear as a dark mole. Some non-melanoma skin cancers develop as pink, red, brown or pearly growths, or patches that resemble a scar. Appearance can vary according to skin tone and the type of cancer. NHS+1
Step 3: Check your arms, hands and fingernails
Inspect your upper arms, forearms, elbows, wrists, palms and the backs of your hands.
Next, examine your fingers, the skin around your nails and your fingernails. Look for:
- A new or changing mole.
- A spot that is growing or changing colour.
- An unusual dark line or mark under a nail that is not explained by an injury.
- A persistent sore or patch of skin that bleeds, crusts or does not heal.
Do not assume that a mark is harmless simply because it is small or does not hurt. Some suspicious skin changes are painless.
Step 4: Examine your chest, stomach and back
Use a full-length mirror to examine the front of your body. Check your chest, abdomen, sides and the skin beneath your breasts, where applicable.
Then turn around and use a hand mirror to inspect your upper and lower back, shoulders and the backs of your arms.
Ask someone you trust to help if you cannot see these areas clearly.
Pay attention to moles that look different from your other moles. A mark that stands out because of its size, colour, shape or changing appearance may need assessment, even if it does not match every feature in the ABCDE checklist. Cancer Research UK
Step 5: Check your legs, feet and soles
Examine your thighs, knees, calves, ankles and the backs of your legs. Sit down to inspect areas that are difficult to see while standing.
Remember to check:
- The tops and soles of your feet.
- Your heels and the spaces between your toes.
- Your toenails and the skin surrounding them.
- Any unusual marks in areas that receive little sunlight.
Melanoma can develop on the palms, soles and around or beneath the nails. These areas are particularly important to examine in people with brown or black skin, because some melanomas in these groups appear in places that are not regularly exposed to sunlight. Cancer Research UK+1
Step 6: Use the ABCDE rule to check suspicious moles
The ABCDE rule for skin cancer is a useful way to remember common warning signs of melanoma. It is a guide to recognising changes, not a diagnostic test.
Symptoms, Diagnosis and Stages of Melanoma – Brigham and Women’s Hospital
A — Asymmetry
One half of the mole looks different from the other half. The shape may appear uneven rather than round or oval.
Skin Cancer Self-Exam Guide: How to Check Your Skin Yourself
B — Border
The edges may be jagged, blurred, uneven or poorly defined instead of having a relatively smooth outline.
Skin Cancer Prevention – Mediclinic Middle East
C — Colour
The mole may have uneven colouring or several shades, such as brown, black, pink or other colours.
Self Examination Guide: Mole map – CLINUVEL
D — Diameter
Melanomas are often wider than 6 mm, but some are smaller. A small mark should not automatically be considered safe.
Mole on Scalp: Complete Guide to Causes, Checks & Treatment
E — Evolving
The mark changes over time in size, shape, colour, height or texture. New itching, crusting or bleeding can also be a warning sign.
These illustrations are educational examples, not a method of diagnosing melanoma. Actual skin cancers can look different from the examples shown.
A useful additional warning sign is the “ugly duckling” sign. This describes a mole or mark that looks noticeably different from the others on your body. If a mark stands out or changes, contact your GP even if it does not display all the ABCDE signs. Cancer Research UK
For a more detailed guide, read HealthCresto’s article on how to check moles for melanoma at home.
Step 7: Look for skin cancer signs beyond moles
Not every skin cancer begins as a mole. Checking only for dark spots could mean missing other important warning signs.
Look for the following changes:
| Skin change | What to look out for |
|---|---|
| Persistent sore | A wound that does not heal or repeatedly opens and scabs over |
| Unusual growth | A new lump or bump that grows or changes |
| Scaly patch | A rough or crusty area that persists, particularly if it bleeds or hurts |
| Shiny or pearly lump | A growth that may have a raised edge or visible small blood vessels |
| Changing patch | A new or changing red, brown, dark or pale area of skin |
| Bleeding or crusting | A lesion that bleeds without an obvious cause or repeatedly forms a scab |
These signs can occur with non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. They can also have non-cancerous causes, so a clinical assessment is needed to establish what they mean. NHS+1
If you have persistent irritation or an itchy patch, you may also find HealthCresto’s guide to eczema flare-ups and treatment options helpful. However, do not assume a new or changing lesion is eczema without getting it assessed when cancer is a possibility.
Step 8: Record changes and monitor your skin
Knowing what your skin normally looks like makes it easier to recognise new or unusual changes.
During your check, you can:
- Note the location of any mole or mark that concerns you.
- Record when you first noticed it and what has changed.
- Take a clear photograph in consistent lighting, if practical.
- Include a ruler beside the mark for size comparison, without pressing on or irritating the skin.
- Compare photographs to help you describe changes to your GP.
There is no single home-monitoring schedule that is right for everyone. A monthly check is a practical routine for some people, particularly those who have many moles or a higher risk of melanoma, but follow any individual advice given by your healthcare professional.
Do not wait for another check if a mark is changing or looks suspicious. Photographs are useful for documenting changes, but they cannot confirm that a lesion is harmless.
Step 9: Understand your personal risk factors
Anyone can develop skin cancer, regardless of age or skin tone. However, certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing particular types of skin cancer.
Risk factors include:
- Previous sunburn: Especially repeated sunburn or significant exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- Sunbed use: Artificial UV exposure increases the risk of skin damage and certain skin cancers.
- Many moles or unusual moles: Having numerous moles or atypical moles can increase melanoma risk.
- Personal or family history: Previous skin cancer or a family history of melanoma may increase risk.
- Fair skin: People who burn easily or have skin that is less able to tan have a higher risk of many UV-related skin cancers.
- Weakened immune system: Certain conditions and treatments that suppress immunity can increase the risk of some skin cancers.
These factors do not mean you will develop skin cancer, and having none of them does not rule it out. NHS+1
Learn more in HealthCresto’s guide to melanoma risk factors and whether you may be at high risk.
What does skin cancer look like on different skin tones?
Skin cancer can occur in all skin tones, but its appearance may vary. On brown or black skin, some skin cancers may be less noticeable if you expect them to appear as a red or dark mole.
Check for changes in the skin’s usual colour, texture or appearance, including:
- A new or changing dark, brown, pink or pale patch.
- A persistent sore, scaly area or unusual lump.
- A mark on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.
- A new or changing dark line beneath a fingernail or toenail.
- A lesion that bleeds, crusts, itches or does not heal.
Melanoma affecting the palms, soles or nail areas is sometimes called acral melanoma. It is important not to overlook these areas during a skin check, particularly in people with darker skin tones. Cancer Research UK+1
When should you see a GP about a mole or skin change?
Contact your GP if you notice:
- A mole that changes size, shape or colour.
- A mole that becomes itchy, painful, inflamed, crusty or starts bleeding.
- A new or unusual skin mark that persists for several weeks.
- A growth that gets bigger or changes in appearance.
- A sore that does not heal or repeatedly scabs over.
- An unexplained dark mark beneath a fingernail or toenail.
You do not need to wait until a lesion becomes painful. A suspicious skin change may be painless, and many concerning marks have causes other than cancer. Early assessment helps establish what is happening. NHS+1
What happens if your GP suspects skin cancer?
Your GP will ask about the skin change, how long it has been present, whether it has changed and whether you or your family have a history of skin cancer. They will examine the affected area and may take photographs for a specialist to assess.
Depending on the findings, you may be referred to a dermatologist or another specialist for further examination. A specialist may use a dermatoscope to examine the lesion more closely and may recommend a biopsy, in which a tissue sample is examined under a microscope.
An urgent referral does not automatically mean you have cancer. It means that the change needs prompt specialist assessment. NHS+1
If you are unsure how to access primary care, HealthCresto explains how to register with a GP in the UK.
If you cannot get an appointment and need advice about where to seek help, NHS 111 may be able to guide you. Use emergency services for a medical emergency, not for a routine mole check.
How can you reduce your risk of skin cancer?
You cannot prevent every case of skin cancer, but protecting your skin from excessive UV exposure can reduce your risk.
Practical steps include:
- Use sunscreen: Choose broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and good UVA protection. Reapply as directed, especially after swimming, sweating or towel-drying.
- Seek shade: In the UK, take extra care when the sun is strongest, generally between 11 am and 3 pm from March to October.
- Cover exposed skin: Wear suitable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses.
- Avoid sunbeds: Do not use sunbeds or sunlamps for tanning.
- Know your skin: Become familiar with your normal moles and skin marks so you can identify changes.
- Follow personalised advice: If you have had skin cancer or have a higher risk, ask your healthcare professional how best to monitor your skin.
Sun protection remains important even if you have darker skin or rarely burn. NHS+1
Frequently asked questions about checking for skin cancer
1. How often should you check your skin for skin cancer?
There is no universal interval for everyone. A monthly self-check can be a practical routine, especially if you have many moles or an increased risk. The key is to know what is normal for your skin and seek medical advice when you notice a new or changing mark.
2. What are the first signs of skin cancer?
Early signs may include a new or changing mole, an irregularly shaped or unevenly coloured mark, a new growth, or a persistent sore or scaly patch. Some skin cancers develop without looking like a typical dark mole. Any unexplained change that concerns you should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
3. Can you have skin cancer without a mole?
Yes. Melanoma can develop on previously normal-looking skin, and non-melanoma skin cancers commonly appear as unusual growths, lumps, patches or sores rather than moles. Check your whole skin surface, not just existing moles. NHS+1
4. What does a cancerous mole look like?
A suspicious mole may have an uneven shape, irregular edges, several colours or changes in size or appearance. It may also itch, bleed or become crusty. However, melanoma does not always show every warning sign, and appearance alone cannot establish a diagnosis.
5. Can skin cancer be the same colour as your skin?
Yes. Some skin cancers may appear pink, pearly, pale or similar to the surrounding skin. Others may look brown, black or darker than nearby skin. Look for changes in texture, growth, persistent sores and unusual patches as well as changes in colour. NHS+1
6. Can a small mole be skin cancer?
Yes. Although many melanomas are larger than 6 mm when identified, some are smaller. A small mole should not be dismissed if it changes, looks different from your other moles or develops other suspicious features.
7. Does an itchy or bleeding mole always mean cancer?
No. Benign skin conditions and non-cancerous moles can also itch or bleed. However, an unexplained mole that becomes itchy, painful, inflamed, crusty or starts bleeding should be checked by your GP. NHS+1
8. Can a smartphone app tell me if a mole is cancerous?
A smartphone photograph or skin-checking app cannot reliably rule out skin cancer for you. Some digital tools may help document changes or support clinical assessment, but they should not replace a medical examination. If a mole is changing or you are concerned about a skin lesion, contact your GP.
9. Can skin cancer develop under a fingernail or on the sole of the foot?
Yes. Melanoma can develop beneath a nail or on the palms and soles. Seek medical advice about a new or changing dark line under a nail that is not explained by an injury, or an unusual persistent mark on your hands or feet. Cancer Research UK+1
10. Is skin cancer treatable if it is found early?
Many skin cancers can be treated successfully, and early diagnosis can make treatment easier. Treatment depends on the type, location, extent and other clinical features of the cancer. If you notice a suspicious skin change, arrange an assessment promptly rather than waiting for it to worsen. NHS+1
Conclusion
Learning how to check for skin cancer at home can help you recognise changes before they become more advanced. Examine your whole body, use the ABCDE rule to assess suspicious moles, and remember that skin cancer can also appear as an unusual lump, scaly patch or persistent sore.
Most moles are harmless, and many skin changes are not cancer. Nevertheless, do not ignore a new or changing mole, unexplained bleeding, or a sore that does not heal. Contact your GP if you notice anything unusual
