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:

  • regularly check their skin, at least every three months
  • 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
  • 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:

Slip on a Shirt Slop on Sunscreen Slap on a Hat Seek Shade Slide on some Sunglasses