How Often Should You Check Your — Moles at Home

Yes. Most people who get skin cancer have no family history at all, so building the habit is worth it even if your risk feels low. The goal isn't to find something wrong — it's to know your own skin well enough that a real change is obvious. Keep it simple: undress in good light, work through your body the same way each time, and get help checking your back and scalp. If nothing changes, it takes a few minutes. If something does change, you'll notice it far earlier than if you'd never looked.

A full-length mirror paired with a hand mirror is the next best option — hold the hand mirror to reflect your back into the full-length one, and move slowly to see each section. It's harder than a second pair of eyes, so use good light and take your time. You can also photograph your own back over your shoulder, then review it where you can see clearly. If you truly can't check your back alone, say so plainly at your next appointment — your doctor can build a back check into your regular visits instead.

Compare the shape, border, colour, and size of the mole against the earlier photo, taken in similar light. A mole that has stayed even in shape and colour over time is usually reassuring. Watch for one that has become uneven on one side, developed a ragged or blurred edge, shows more than one colour, or looks clearly bigger than before. Don't try to measure exact size from a phone photo — lighting and distance change how large something looks. If anything looks different in a way you can't explain by lighting, show both photos to your doctor rather than deciding yourself.

Children can have their moles checked the same gentle way — as part of bath time or getting dressed, without making it frightening. You're not looking for anything alarming, just getting familiar with the moles they have so a real change is easier to spot as they grow. If skin cancer runs in the family, or a child has an unusual number of moles, mention this to your doctor. There's no need for children to check themselves — a parent doing it as part of normal care is enough.

Don't wait for your next scheduled check. Note where it is, take a clear photo in good light with the date, and call your doctor to describe what you're seeing and ask how soon you should be seen. You don't need to decide yourself whether it's serious — that isn't fair to ask of yourself or your family. Most moles that look different turn out to be nothing urgent, but the only way to know is to have it looked at by someone trained to tell the difference. Checking early costs a phone call; waiting costs time you can't get back.