Why do I need a skin cancer screening?You may need a skin cancer screening if you have certain risk factors. Risk factors for skin cancer include having:Light skin toneBlond or red hairLight colored eyes (blue or green)Skin that burns and/or freckles easilyHistory of sunburnsFamily and/or personal history of skin cancerFrequent exposure to the sun through work or leisure activitiesLarge number of molesTalk to your health provider about whether you should regularly screen yourself, get screened at a provider's office, or do both.If you are screening yourself, you may need to get screened by a health care provider if you find signs of skin cancer during a self-exam. Signs vary depending on the type of skin cancer, but they may include a:Change in an existing mole or spotMole or other skin mark that oozes, bleeds, or becomes crustyMole that is painful to the touchSore that doesn't heal within two weeksShiny pink, red, pearly white, or translucent bumpMole or sore with irregular borders, that may bleed easilyIf you are screening yourself, be sure to check for signs of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. An easy way to remember the signs of melanoma is to think of "ABCDE," which stands for:Asymmetry: The mole has an odd shape, with half of it not matching the other half.Border: The border of the mole is ragged or irregular.Color: The color of the mole is uneven.Diameter: The mole is bigger than the size of a pea or a pencil eraser.Evolving: The mole has changed in size, shape, or color.If you find signs of melanoma, talk to your health care provider as soon as possible.
