Self examination
Many melanomas are discovered by people themselves or by a family member.
Cancer Council recommends that all adults, particularly those aged 40 and over, should:
- become familiar with their skin
- check all areas of their skin, including skin not normally exposed to the sun
- look for changes in shape, colour or size, or a new spot – if you notice anything unusual, see your doctor straight away
- seek assistance from others to check difficult to see areas, such as their back.
Tips for checking your own skin
It's time to go through a do-it-yourself skin examination: you have found a room with good light and a full length mirror. You are on your own so you have a hand-held mirror to check difficult to see areas. You undress completely and start examining your skin, body part-by-body part, until you have checked over your whole body.
Click on each number in the image below for a step by step approach to a self-examination.
Also refer to:
- How to check for skin cancers [pdf 300K], a handy picture guide to skin cancers, warning signs and harmless spots
- Australasian College of Dermatologists, a great source of information about how to check your skin and moles
