Skin Self-Check: A Simple Guide to Spotting Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and its rates are rising in Pakistan due to increasing sun exposure and lack of awareness. The good news is that skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early — and a regular skin self-check is the best way to spot it.

Why check your skin? Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it's the one you can see. A monthly self-check helps you know your skin and notice any new or changing spots, moles, or lesions.

Types of skin cancer:

1. Melanoma: The most dangerous type. Often starts in a mole that changes colour, shape, or size. Can spread quickly if not caught early.
2. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): The most common type. Usually appears as a pearly bump or a sore that doesn't heal. Rarely spreads.
3. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): Appears as a scaly, crusted, or red patch. Can spread if not treated.

When to do a skin self-check:

• Once a month, in good lighting.
• Use a full-length mirror and a hand mirror for hard-to-see areas.
• Check your entire body — don't forget between toes, behind ears, scalp, and back.

The ABCDE rule for moles: Use this guide to check if a mole might be concerning:

• A — Asymmetry: One half doesn't match the other.
• B — Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
• C — Colour: The colour is not uniform — may have shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue.
• D — Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
• E — Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, colour, or is becoming raised, itching, or bleeding.

What to look for during your check:

• A new mole or spot that wasn't there before
• A mole that has changed in colour, shape, or size
• A sore that doesn't heal within 3 weeks
• A spot that bleeds, oozes, or itches
• A spot that is painful or tender
• A dark streak under a fingernail or toenail (not caused by injury)
• A scar-like area that is flat, white, or waxy

Areas to check:

• Face, ears, and neck
• Scalp (use a comb to part your hair)
• Chest and abdomen
• Arms (including underarms), hands, and fingers (including nails)
• Back (use a mirror)
• Legs (including backs), feet, and between toes
• Genital area

Risk factors for skin cancer:

• Excessive sun exposure (especially sunburns in childhood)
• Fair or light skin
• Many moles (50+)
• Family history of skin cancer
• Weakened immune system
• Previous skin cancer
• Outdoor occupation

Sun protection in Pakistan: Pakistan has intense sun for most of the year. Protect your skin:

• Avoid direct sun between 10 AM and 4 PM
• Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses
• Use sunscreen (SPF 30+) on exposed skin
• Don't use tanning beds

When to see a doctor:

• Any mole or spot that meets the ABCDE criteria
• A sore that doesn't heal
• A new growth that is growing or changing
• Any spot that bleeds or is painful

In Pakistan, see a dermatologist or general surgeon. A suspicious lesion can be biopsied — a quick, simple procedure.

Key message: Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early. Check your skin once a month using the ABCDE rule. If you notice a new, changing, or unusual spot, see a doctor. Protect yourself from the sun — prevention is always better than cure.