Dermatologists report that patients who perform monthly self-examinations detect melanomas earlier and have significantly better survival rates than those who rely solely on annual doctor visits.

The ABCDE method helps identify suspicious moles:
        Asymmetry
        Border irregularity
        Color variation
        Diameter larger than a pencil eraser
        Evolving size or appearance.

Photograph any suspicious spots with your phone to track changes over time, and examine areas often missed, like between toes, under nails, and on your scalp using mirrors.

Schedule this self-exam on the same date each month, and seek immediate dermatologic evaluation for any mole that changes shape, color, or texture between examinations.