New Video Demonstrates Skin Cancer Self-Exam

SATURDAY, Nov. 3 (HealthDay News) -- A new video that instructs people how to do a self-examination for skin cancer has been released by the American Academy of Dermatology.

"Checking your skin for skin cancer only requires your eyes and a mirror. Involving a partner adds another set of eyes, which is especially helpful when checking the back and other hard-to-see areas," Dr. Thomas Rohrer, a dermatologist in private practice in Chestnut Hill, Mass., said in news release from the academy. "Examining your skin only takes a few minutes, but it could save your life."

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, according to the experts.

"Current estimates show one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, so it's important to be familiar with your skin, especially your moles," Rohrer said. "Catching skin cancer early is key for successful treatment, so check your skin regularly and see a board-certified dermatologist if you spot anything suspicious."

When examining your skin, stand in front of a mirror and use the following steps to look at the front and back of your body:

During your skin examination, check moles for the ABCDEs of melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer: