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Regular spot and mole check is important to helps with early detection of skin cancers such as melanoma. These skin self-exams are especially important for anyone who has high risk factors for skin cancer such as a family history, very fair skin, skin that has had prolonged exposure to the sun or has had significant sun damage. Ideally one should have a full body skin examination by your dermatologist every year.

During spot and mole check, be aware of any new or changing bump, look for scaliness, oozing, bleeding, ulceration, or change in sensation such as itchiness or pain.

With each spot you will need to focus on five main areas – the ABCDEs of melanoma:

1. Asymmetry: the mole or spot should be symmetrical; one half should match the other.
2. Border:： which should be regular and not ragged or blurred.
3. Colour: the area should have a regular colour - there should not be multiple shades around the mole, including brown or black, sometimes with areas of pink, red, white or blue.
4. Diameter: spots should be no larger than 6mm across (the size of a pencil eraser head)
5. Evolution: watch out for changes over time in size, shape and colour.

With your ABCs in mind, you are ready to do a spot and mole check by yourself – just follow these easy steps:

1. Stand naked in front of a full-length mirror in a well-lit room. Take time to inspect your skin carefully and notice the patterns of moles/freckles or spots on your skin so you can identify any changes that occur over time.
2. While facing the mirror, check your face, ears, neck, chest and tummy. Women should remember to check the skin underneath the breasts.
3. Next check your underarm area, the tops and bottoms of your hands and fingers including the web spaces and fingernail beds.
4. Sit down and check your legs starting from the thigh, down to your shins, tops of your feet, in between your toes and your toenail beds.
5. Look at the bottoms of your feet, and with the help of a hand-held mirror, check your calves and the back of your thighs on each leg.
6. Remember to also check your buttocks, genital area, lower and upper back and the back of the neck. Using an additional hand-held mirror will help you to see your back in the larger, wall mirror. Where possible a partner, close relative or friend can also help you check your back.
7. Finally you need to look at the scalp. Use a comb or hair drier to help part the hair so you can clearly see the skin of the scalp.

Consult your dermatologist promptly if you are uncertain of any spots or moles and if you detect any changes or growth in your moles. Individuals at higher risk, especially those with significant past sun exposure or a family history of skin cancer should have their skin examined regularly by a dermatologist.