How to Spot Skin Cancer

Julia Savacool, SELF magazine

Just a freckle or trouble ahead? Determine with a self-check.

Basal cISM/Phototake. Courtesy of the Skin Cancer Foundation. ISM/Phototakeell carcinoma: The most common type of skin cancer, it can be a patch, sore or bump. It's often red or white, and frequently on sun-exposed spots such as your face, neck, ears and arms.

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Squamous cell carcinoma: Often found on areas that get the most sun, this growth can have scaly, crusty, reddish patches. It may look like a wart or an open sore that does not heal.

Melanoma: It is typically a brownish-black mole, but melanomas can also be other colors. Look for asymmetry, uneven borders and changes in size, shape or elevation.

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When to Get Scanned
Go every three months if...You've already had melanoma.

Go every six months if...You've had basal or squamous cell carcinoma, any abnormal moles, benign or cancerous; you have a family history of skin cancer; or you spend most of your day outdoors.

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Go every year if...You've never had skin cancer or abnormal moles, you don't have a family history of skin cancer, and you don't spend the majority of your time in the sun.