May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a campaign that brings attention to the prevention and treatment of the most common type of cancer in the United States, affecting an estimated 1 in 5 Americans at some point in their lifetime. It’s also Melanoma Awareness Month, the least common but most deadly form of skin cancer. According to the Melanoma Research Alliance, there will be an estimated 100,640 new cases of invasive melanoma diagnosed in the U.S. in 2024 and an estimated 8,290 deaths from the disease.

While these stark numbers are troubling, they are also indicative of the high survival rate, particularly when the cancer is found and treated early. Statistics from the Skin Cancer Foundation note that “Across all stages of melanoma, the average five-year survival rate is 94 percent. The estimated five-year survival rate for patients whose melanoma is detected early is over 99 percent.” 

Early detection is vital not only for survival but also for reducing the invasiveness of treatment. Melanoma can often be treated effectively with surgery if detected before it spreads. However, once it metastasizes, treatment becomes more complex, and survival rates decrease. Because skin cancer is slow-growing, yearly skin exams are typically enough to detect melanoma early enough for surgical treatment. Still, those at exceptionally high risk should also conduct monthly self-exams following the ABCDEs of identifying a cancerous mole.

The ABCDEs of Melanoma

A Is for Asymmetry

One of the first signs of melanoma is when the spot develops an asymmetrical appearance. Unlike benign moles, which are symmetrical and uniform all around, melanoma lesions often present with an irregular shape, with one half of the spot looking different from the other.

B Is for Border

Melanoma spots have notched or scalloped borders, whereas regular moles are smooth and even.

C Is for Color

Normal moles are typically a single shade of brown, but melanoma can cause multiple shades within a single growth, including brown, black, tan, red, blue, and white.

D Is for Diameter

The size of a mole can indicate whether it’s benign or cancerous, with the former usually being smaller than a pencil eraser. If a mole is larger than 1/4-inch or starts smaller and grows over time, it must be evaluated as soon as possible.

E Is for Evolving

Perhaps the most important sign that a spot needs further attention is if it changes in size, shape, color, or elevation or develops new symptoms like bleeding, itching, or crusting. Benign moles will look basically the same from the time they appear, whereas cancerous spots change as they continue to spread and infect surrounding cells.

How-To: Monthly Skin Self-Exams

You can monitor your skin between dermatology visits by performing monthly self-exams. The goal is to familiarize yourself with your body’s moles and spots to better detect any changes from month to month and address them with your doctor if you notice concerning developments.

Before you begin, prepare by doing the following:

  • Go into a well-lit room so you can see your skin clearly.
  • Set up a full-length mirror that helps you view as much of your body at once as possible.
  • Use a hand mirror to see areas that are difficult to see with the full-length mirror alone.
  • Bring a chair so you can sit while examining your legs and feet.
  • Grab a comb to move hair out of the way while checking your scalp.

To conduct a thorough self-exam, follow these steps:

  1. Begin by examining your face and neck. Use the hand mirror to check areas you can’t see in the full-length mirror, like the backs of the ears and neck.
  2. Use the comb to part your hair and the hand mirror to check your scalp for spots.
  3. Inspect your palms, backs of your hands, between each finger, and under your fingernails, as melanoma can also develop in the nail beds.
  4. Look at all sides of your arms and in your armpits.
  5. Examine the entire length of your chest, stomach, and back. Women should also check under their breasts.
  6. Check your legs from the thighs to the ankles, using the hand mirror to view the backs of the knees and the area where your buttocks meet your thigh.
  7. Look at the tops and soles of your feet, between each toe, and under your toenails.
  8. Finish by inspecting your buttocks and genitals, using the hand mirror to get a clear view of areas you can’t see in the full-length mirror.

The Best Prognosis for Melanoma Comes From Early Detection

Bear in mind that self-exams aren’t replacements for annual skin exams performed by a licensed dermatologist. They can catch signs of melanoma that may be difficult to spot or in hard-to-see areas, helping to assure a far higher chance of survival and a less complex course of treatment than if a spot goes undetected.

We encourage you to prioritize your skin health by scheduling an appointment with Dr. M. Elizabeth Briden, Board-Certified Dermatologist, for an initial examination and to set up ongoing annual visits.

Additional Resources on Melanoma