How to Conduct a Skin Cancer Self-Exam If You Have a Darker Skin Tone

Medically reviewed by Lakshi Aldredge, MSN, ANP-BC, DCNP, FAANP

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S.

People with darker skin tones can get melanoma

Melanoma — a type of skin cancer — usually comes from exposure to the sun, but not always.

Melanoma in people of color often develops on parts of the body that aren’t exposed to the sun.

People of color get melanoma less often. But when they do, it’s often diagnosed at a later stage.

Early detection is important

Skin cancer found in later stages can be harder to treat.

Regular monthly self-exams can help you notice any new or changing spots on your skin.

At-home skin checks are free and easy to do!

How to do a self-exam for skin cancer

Look over your skin from the top of your head to the bottoms of your feet.

Use a mirror for hard-to-reach spots such as the top of your head or backside. You might ask someone to check these areas for you.

Pay attention to areas that don’t see much sun and where your skin may be lighter.

People of color can develop skin cancer in less visible areas, including:

Palms of the hands
Soles of the feet
Underneath nail beds
Inside the mouth
On the lower legs
In the groin or on the genitals

What to look for during a self-exam

Skin cancer can look different on darker skin than on lighter skin.

Look for:

Rough dry patches of skin
New or changing moles, growths, dark spots or patches
Dark lines or spots under or around fingernails or toenails
Sores that don’t heal or go away and then come back

Remember the ABCDEs

A symmetry: Half of the spot looks different than the other half
B order: The spot has an irregular border
C olor: The spot is multiple colors such as tan, black or brown
D iameter: Melanomas are often larger than the size of a pencil eraser, but they can be smaller
E volving: The spot changes in size, shape or color

Dark spots on the skin that appear suddenly or existing spots that begin to grow or change are most concerning. Let your healthcare provider know right away about any unusual or new lesion.

What if you find something?

First, try not to panic. Not every suspicious lesion or mole will be cancerous. But it’s still important to get them checked.

Make an appointment with your primary care or dermatology provider.

If you feel your provider isn’t addressing your concerns, it’s okay to get a second opinion. It’s also OK to ask for a biopsy of any spot you want to have checked.

This educational resource was created with support from Merck.

This article was originally published on healthywomen.org.