Detection and Prevention

Self-examinations should be done once a month, or after a major skin injury such as sunburn.
  • Test immediately after a bath or shower
  • In a well lit room
  • Have a handheld mirror and a full length mirror handy
  • Learn your skin's blemishes, what they look like, and where they are
  • Check the areas for changes in size, color, texture, or ulceration
  • Contact your doctor if you find any abnormalities, or the emergence of a new blemish

A dermatologist may examine your entire skin for abnormalities, and conduct biopsy tests to determine if it is cancerous.

Emerging science has found that certain breeds of dogs can detect the scent of a cancer
and distinguish it from the normal human scent, such as this one here:



This discovery has also lead to tests towards determining skin odor, such as this one: