Essential Tips For Detecting and Preventing Skin Cancer

Expertly reviewed by: Dr. Manoj Pawar, MD, FAAP
Chief Medical Officer, Mutual of Omaha

Summary: Fun in the sun plays a key role in an overall healthy lifestyle. But with skin cancer being the most prevalent type of cancer in the U.S., it’s important to take some simple steps to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

Fun in the sun plays a key role in an overall healthy lifestyle.

But with more Americans being diagnosed with skin cancer each year than all other cancers combined, it’s important to protect your skin and check it for changes regularly.¹

How to Check Your Skin for Signs of Cancer

Knowing your skin is vital to detecting skin cancer early. When you examine yourself, be sure to memorize marks, such as freckles, moles and birthmarks. If you don’t trust your memory, write down your observations. This will help you recognize changes and new markings.

If you notice a new spot, one that increases in size or changes texture, consult with a doctor right away.

When conducting a skin examination:²

• Check your body — front and back — in the mirror.
• Bend your arms to look at your forearms.
• Raise your arms to look at your underarms.
• Sit down to look at the back of your legs and your feet.
• Use a handheld mirror to check your scalp, the back of your neck, your lower back and other hard-to-see places.

When caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable, so make it a priority to check your skin.³ Mark it on your calendar or set a reminder on your phone so you don’t forget!

Who should check for skin cancer?

Everyone! And it’s even more important as you age. Consider this: 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.⁴

How Often Should You Check for Skin Cancer?

You should check your skin at least once a month. Additionally, you should get examined by a doctor at least once a year.⁴

4 tips for skin cancer prevention

Whether you’re spending more time participating in outdoor activity to stay healthy or just having fun in the sun, always protect your skin. No singe method will fully protect you from the sun’s harmful rays. So, it’s best to follow this multistep approach.⁵

1. Apply and reapply sunscreen

Reapply with an SPF of 30 or higher every two hours (and more if you’re in the water). Use about a quarter-sized drop for your face and enough to coat the rest of your body. Apply sunscreen even on cloudy days and when you’re in the sun for just a short time.

Make it a personal rule that every time you reapply your kids’ or grandkids’ sunscreen, you reapply yours too.

2. Wear a UV protective hat

Add a hat to your summer attire. One of the most prevalent places for skin cancers to appear is on the head and neck.

3. Be aware of UV exposure in the car

Consider how much sun exposure the tops of your hands get on the steering wheel. Leave some sunscreen in your car, and think twice before you lay your arm out the window.

4. Shield yourself with shade

One simple way to help protect your skin is to limit your sun exposure. But that doesn’t mean staying inside all day. After all, vitamin D is great for your health. Instead, consider spending more time in the shade.

For many people, fun in the sun is a key to enjoying an active, healthy lifestyle. But remember, protecting your skin anytime you head outdoors is vital to maintaining your overall well-being for many more years.

Sources:

^1,4 Skin Cancer Foundation, Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics, Feb. 2024, accessed May 2025, skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts.

^2,3 American Academy of Dermatology, Find Skin Cancer: How to Perform a Skin Exam, May 2023, accessed May 2025, aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/find/check-skin.

⁵ Skin Cancer Foundation, Sun Protection: Your Daily Guide to Sun Protection, May 2025, accessed May 2025, skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection.

Expertly reviewed by: Dr. Manoj Pawar, MD, FAAP

Chief Medical Officer, Mutual of Omaha

Dr. Pawar brings over two decades of clinical and executive experience with a focus on preventive care, public health and empowering physicians and patients with the tools they need to live their best lives. Dr. Pawar completed his undergraduate degree at Northwestern University, his medical degree at McGill University in Montreal and his specialty training at the University of Colorado. He’s a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physician and a member of Delta Omega, the Public Health honor society.

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