How can I find skin cancer early?

• Talk with your doctor if you see any changes on your skin that do not go away within one month.
• Check the skin on all surfaces of your body, even in your mouth.
• Watch for a new mole or other new growth on your skin.
• Check for changes in the appearance of an old growth on the skin or scar (especially a burn scar).
• Watch for a patch of skin that is a different color and becomes darker or changes color.
• Watch for a sore that does not heal – it may bleed or form a crust.
• Check your nails for a dark band. Check with your doctor if you see changes, such as if the dark band begins to spread.

When skin cancer is found early, it can be treated more easily.