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Knowing how to check for skin cancer at home is a skill every Australian should develop. With more than 15,000 melanoma diagnoses in Australia each year, early detection makes an enormous difference to treatment outcomes. The ABCDE rule is a clinically validated, straightforward guide that helps you identify the early warning signs of melanoma — one of the most serious types of skin cancer.
What Is the ABCDE Rule for Melanoma?
Developed by dermatologists and used internationally, the ABCDE rule provides five key characteristics to look for when checking your moles and skin lesions. If a mole displays one or more of these features, it warrants prompt assessment by a skin cancer doctor.
| Letter | What It Stands For | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| A | Asymmetry | One half of the mole does not mirror the other when divided down the centre |
| B | Border | Edges are irregular, ragged, notched, blurred, or not clearly defined |
| C | Colour | Multiple shades within the one mole — brown, black, red, white, or blue |
| D | Diameter | Larger than 6 mm (approximately the width of a pencil eraser) — though some melanomas are smaller |
| E | Evolving | Any change in size, shape, colour, or a new symptom such as bleeding, itching, or crusting |
Early Warning Signs of Melanoma You Should Know
Beyond the classic ABCDE signs, there are additional early warning signs of melanoma that Australians should be aware of:
- A new mole or spot that appears after the age of 20 or 30
- A mole that looks different from all your other moles (the “ugly duckling” sign)
- A sore that does not heal after several weeks
- A mole that bleeds, oozes, or is itchy without being scratched
- A dark streak under a fingernail or toenail
- A spot that spreads colour into the surrounding skin
How to Check Your Skin at Home — A Step-by-Step Guide
A monthly skin self-examination takes less than 10 minutes and is one of the most effective health habits you can develop. Here’s how to do it systematically:
What You’ll Need
- A full-length mirror
- A smaller hand-held mirror for hard-to-see areas
- Good lighting (natural or bright artificial light)
- A close friend or partner to help check the scalp and back
Step-by-Step Self-Check
- Start with your face, scalp, and neck — part the hair in sections and check the scalp
- Examine your hands and fingernails, including under the nails
- Check your arms from the underarms down to the wrists
- Examine your trunk front and back using the full-length and hand mirror
- Check your lower body — front and back of legs, between the toes and under the feet
- Use the hand mirror to examine your back and buttocks
- Note any new spots, changes, or anything that concerns you
Warning Signs of Stage 1 Melanoma — What to Watch For
Stage 1 melanoma is confined to the outer layers of skin and has not spread to lymph nodes or other organs. The five-year survival rate for stage 1 melanoma is over 98% — making early detection critically important. At this stage, the ABCDE warning signs are most likely to apply:
- A new or changing mole that is asymmetrical
- A mole whose border is notched or blurred
- Colour variation within a single mole — particularly if black or red tones appear
- Any mole that seems to be changing or “evolving” even slightly
If you notice any of these warning signs of melanoma cancer, do not wait for your next annual check. Book an appointment as soon as possible.
How Does a Doctor Check for Skin Cancer?
When you attend a skin cancer check at Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic, your doctor will:
- Examine your entire skin surface systematically, including areas you can’t easily see yourself
- Use a dermatoscope — a handheld magnifying device with a polarised light source — to examine lesions in detail
- Photograph any suspicious or changing moles for monitoring over time
- Discuss any findings with you and recommend next steps (monitoring, biopsy, or treatment)
For patients with a high number of moles or an elevated risk profile, full body mole mapping provides an even more comprehensive baseline through AI-assisted digital imaging.
How Often Should You Have Your Skin Checked?
| Risk Profile | Self-Check | Professional Check |
|---|---|---|
| Low risk | Monthly | Every 1–2 years |
| Moderate risk (many moles, fair skin) | Monthly | Annually |
| High risk (history of skin cancer, melanoma family history) | Monthly | Every 3–6 months |
Related reading:
When Did You Last Have a Skin Cancer Check?
Full Body Mole Mapping Melbourne
Skin Cancer in Australia: Key Statistics
Melanoma vs Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you check for skin cancer at home?
Use the ABCDE rule — look for Asymmetry, irregular Border, multiple Colours, Diameter over 6mm, and any Evolving changes. Perform a monthly full-body self-examination using two mirrors in good lighting. Check all areas including the scalp, between the toes, and under the nails. Note any changes and book a professional check if anything concerns you.
How do I check for melanoma specifically?
Apply the ABCDE and “ugly duckling” rules — any mole that looks noticeably different from your other moles deserves attention. Watch for new spots that appear after the age of 20–30, or existing moles that change in any way. Book a professional skin cancer check promptly if you notice anything suspicious.
What are the early warning signs of melanoma?
Early signs include: asymmetry in a mole, irregular or blurred edges, more than one colour in a single mole, diameter larger than 6mm, and any change over time (the ABCDE rule). Additional signs include new moles after age 30, sores that don’t heal, bleeding or itching moles, and dark streaks under nails.
How often should I get my skin checked for cancer?
Most adults should have a professional skin check at least once a year. Higher-risk patients (history of skin cancer, many moles, or family history of melanoma) should be checked every 3–6 months. Supplement this with a monthly self-check at home using the ABCDE rule.
Can a GP check for skin cancer?
Yes, a GP can perform a skin examination and refer you on. However, for a thorough, specialist skin cancer check using advanced dermoscopy equipment, a dedicated skin cancer clinic like Manningham provides a more focused and technically equipped assessment. No GP referral is required to book directly.
What does stage 1 melanoma look like?
Stage 1 melanoma is typically a new or changing mole displaying one or more ABCDE characteristics: asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colours, diameter over 6mm, or evolution. It has not yet spread beyond the skin. Early-stage melanoma is highly treatable, which is why recognising these signs early is so important.
Do I need a referral to have my skin checked in Melbourne?
No. Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic in Templestowe does not require a GP referral. You can book your skin check online or by calling (03) 8840 1410 at any time.
Noticed Something on Your Skin? Don’t Wait.
Monthly self-checks are a great start — but a professional skin cancer check by an experienced doctor is the only way to be sure. Book your skin check in Templestowe today.
Published by Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic, Templestowe VIC 3107. This content is for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.