How to Spot the Signs of Skin Cancer: A Comprehensive Guide for Seniors

July 22, 2025

As we age, our risk of developing skin cancer drastically increases [1]. In fact, by age 70, one in five Americans is afflicted with skin cancer [2].A universal understanding of the importance of early skin cancer detection can help reduce cases among older adults, sparing them stress, pain, and expense.. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through conducting effective skin checks, understanding the warning signs for skin cancer, and utilizing prevention strategies.

Understanding Skin Cancer Risk Factors for Older Adults

There are a handful of reasons why the risk of developing skin cancer rises as we get older:

Lifetime sun exposure accumulation: Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation—from natural sources like sunlight or artificial ones such as tanning beds—significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer. A history of severe sunburns, particularly common during the youth of today’s older adults, further amplifies this risk. [3]
Vulnerability of aging skin: As we age, our skin naturally becomes thinner and less elastic due to the gradual loss of collagen and elastin. The increased fragility makes the skin more susceptible to UV damage and delayed healing. [4]. While chronological skin aging is inevitable, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation— either from the sun or artificial sources—can accelerate the aging process, leading to photoaging. This preventable premature skin aging not only affects the skin’s appearance but also significantly increases the risk of skin cancer. [5]
Genetic factors: Family history is a significant risk factor for skin cancer due to inherited genetic traits and syndromes. In fact, according to the Advancing Innovation in Melanoma (AIM) at the Melanoma Foundation, having more than one first-degree family member with a type of skin cancer called melanoma increases your chance of developing melanoma by 30 to 70 percent [6].
Sex: Older men have a higher risk of developing skin cancer than women, often due to greater cumulative sun exposure and lower use of sun protection.
Skin type: Individuals with fair skin, light-colored eyes, or hair have less melanin, which offers some protection against UV radiation, making them more vulnerable to skin damage and cancer.
Weakened immune system: Conditions that compromise immunity—such as certain chronic illnesses—or medications like immunosuppressants used after organ transplants significantly increase skin cancer risk.

Conducting an Effective Self-Examination as a Senior

Now that we’ve covered the essential warning signs to look out for, let’s talk about conducting an effective skin check. In addition to a yearly dermatologist exam, it is recommended that individuals self-examine their skin at least once a month, especially those at higher risk for skin cancer, like seniors and/or those with a family history of skin cancer [22].

To complete a thorough self-examination, first refresh yourself on the warning signs to look out for before beginning the check. The best time to examine your skin is after a shower or bath [23]. A monthly self-skin exam is recommended in addition to an annual skin check with the dermatologist – especially for those who are at a higher risk for skin cancer.

What You’ll Need:

Full-length mirror
Handheld mirror
Good lighting
Chair or stool
Comb and / or hairdryer
Notebook or app
Small ruler

Pro-tips:

Work in an organized and systemic fashion, dividing the body in segments to ensure that no space is left unnoticed.
Document the lesions you find. taking a photo of the lesion next to a measuring device may be helpful. make sure that you document the date and where the lesion is located.

Step 1: Examine your face and scalp

Look at your face, eyelids, nose, lips, ears and neck.
Use a hand mirror and comb to visualize the entire scalp. part your hair in sections.
Pay attention to: brown spots (often mistaken for age spots), wart-like growths, sores developing on top of existing scars, rough and discolored patches on the scalp
Scalp checks may be easier with some help from a friend or family member.

Step 2: Check Torso

Look at your front and back in the full-length mirror
Raise your arms, check underarms, chest and sides
Check under folds and breasts if applicable.

Step 3: Check Arms and Hands

Look at both arms starting from shoulders, upper arms, elbows, forearms and upper arms.
Check hands: palms, back of hands, fingers, in between fingers, and fingernails.

Step 4: Check Legs and feet

Check hips, thighs, knees, claves and shins
Look at tops and soles of feet, toes, in between toes, toenails

Step 5: Check hard-to-see areas

Use the hand mirror or ask for help to check:

Lower back and buttocks
Genital area
Back of neck
Behind ears

Know Your “ABCDE” (The Warning Signs of Skin Cancer Every Senior Should Know)

When you’re checking your skin for potential signs of skin cancer, you may feel confused about exactly what you should be searching for. Is it skin cancer, or simply a mole or freckle? To remember the common indicators of a potential case of skin cancer while doing a skin check, think of the acronym “ABCDE,” which stands for asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolution [7]. Ask yourself the following about each letter:

Asymmetry: Is one side shaped differently than the other?
Border: Is the border of the area of concern uneven or jagged? Does it have poorly defined edges?
Color: Are there multiple or uneven colors within the area of concern?
Diameter: Is the area of concern larger than a pencil eraser? Has it grown larger over time?
Evolution: Has the area of concern changed in size, color, elevation, shape, or symptoms (bleeding, itching, etc)?

If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above or if you find a lesion that looks different from all others (also known as an “ugly duckling sign”), you should speak to your dermatologist immediately for additional advice.

Beyond ABCDEs: Additional Warning Signs to Monitor

Non-Visual Symptoms

Not all warnings of skin cancer can be measured by visual appearance. While conducting your skin check, you should also take note of the following:

Skin irritation: Skin that feels itchy, sensitive, and rough in a particular area can be mistaken for a dry patch or rash. Although this can be the case, it’s also possible that skin irritation is a sign of your immune system responding to skin cancerous cells [8].
Changes in skin sensation: If skin cancer develops near a nerve, you may feel numbness, tingling, swelling, and/or pain [9].
Non-healing sores or recurring bleeding: Pay attention to unusual spots on the skin. Signs of skin cancer can include round bumps that have visible blood vessels, flat spots that bleed easily, firm scars, and more [9].

Other Visual Indicators

The indicators below can easily be mistaken for moles or scabs. If you are questioning whether the following could be a sign of something more serious, please see a professional for expert advice.

Pearly or waxy-looking bumps: Smooth bumps that look similar to moles may be a sign of skin cancer [9].
Lesions that appear scaly: Flat scars that are red or skin-colored can also be an indicator of skin cancer [10].
Flat, scaly patches with a crusty surface: Keep an eye on rough patches on the skin [11].
Dark streaks underneath fingernails or toenails: An especially lesser-known sign of skin cancer is dark brown or black streaks under your fingernails or toenails, a symptom of subungual melanoma [12].

Location-Specific Signs: Where Seniors Should Look Carefully

Facial Skin Cancer Indicators

You are most likely to notice skin cancer signs on your face rather than the rest of your body, as most of us look at our appearance in the mirror while brushing our teeth, combing our hair, or getting ready for the day. However, this does not mean that small signs on your face won’t go unnoticed. When checking your skin, pay attention to the following facial indicators of skin cancer:

Signs on areas frequently exposed to the sun: Look for any abnormalities or skin signs mentioned above on the areas of your face that are most susceptible to sun exposure, like the nose, cheeks, and ears.
Specific symptoms commonly appearing on the face: Check for new or growing bumps, moles, scabs, scars, or areas of discoloration on your face [13].
Lip lesions and mouth-area changes: Ulcers or sores on the lips that won’t heal can be a sign of skin cancer [14]. Any unusual growths or spots on the outside of the lips may be indicators of skin cancer. Growths or spots on the inside of the lips (the area inwards of where your lips meet) may indicate lip or mouth cancer [14].
Eye area concerns: Basal cell carcinomas take up a large portion of skin cancers, and this type is commonly found on the eyelids [15]. Areas of discoloration, change in texture, swelling, and lesions or lumps on the eyelid or surrounding areas may be signs of skin cancer [15].

Scalp and Hidden Areas

Checking hidden areas, like the scalp, for skin cancer can be difficult at first. To check areas covered with hair, use a comb or your fingers to part your hair, expose the scalp, and examine that part of your scalp with a hand mirror [16]. Having a friend or family member help you with this is recommended, as it may be a challenge without an extra set of hands.

Warning signs on the scalp: Some signs of skin cancer on the scalp are often missed, including brown spots (often mistaken for age spots), wart-like growths, sores developing on top of existing scars, rough and discolored patches, and more [17].
Checking between toes and fingers: There are areas of the body other than the scalp that are often missed when conducting skin checks, including the spaces between fingers and toes. Be sure to check these areas as well when checking for skin cancer [11]
Monitoring difficult-to-see areas: To check difficult-to-see areas, like behind your ears, or difficult-to-reach areas, like your back, use a handheld mirror for a better view. Or, you can inform a friend about warning signs to look out for and have them check for you.

Different Types of Skin Cancer: Appearance and Progression

Many different types of cancers fall under the skin cancer umbrella. For example:

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, and typically shows up as open sores, red patches, smooth bumps, and spots that crust or bleed Often found on sun exposed areas like head / face, neck, and arms. grows slowly and rarely spreads but could create local tissue damage. [18]. Although this type of skin cancer doesn’t often spread beyond its original site, it can grow deep into the skin and be aggressive [18].
Squamous cell carcinoma often looks like firm bumps, flat sores, raised areas on existing scars, or scaly patches on the lip [19]. In individuals with lighter skin, it commonly occurs in areas exposed to the sun, like the scalp, hands, lips, and ears. In individuals with darker skin, it often shows up in areas not exposed to the sun, like the mouth or genitals [19]. It is the most common cancer in Black and Asian skin. generally faster growing than Basal cell and can Metastasize or spread. It’s important to get any signs checked out by a professional..
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and has the highest risk of mortality [20]. Although it only accounts for 1% of skin cancer, it is the leading cause of skin cancer-related deaths. About a third of melanoma cases start in existing moles, which is why it is vital to look out for changes to the look and feel of existing marks on the skin when checking for skin cancer. It can spread quickly to other parts of the body which is why early detection is important.
Rare skin cancers are very uncommon but can be very dangerous. Some rare skin cancers include acral lentiginous melanoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, sebaceous carcinoma, undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, and many more [21]. Consult with your doctor if you suspect you may have a rare form of skin cancer.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Clear Guidelines

You may feel unsure about when seeking medical attention is unnecessary versus warranted. Don’t worry; it’s normal to feel a bit unclear about this, especially if you are new to conducting skin checks on your own. As a general rule of thumb, any unexplained change to your skin should be examined by a dermatologist immediately [13]. Don’t ignore these changes; it’s better to check them than risk them worsening with time.

To find a dermatologist specializing in geriatric skin care, ask your primary care physician for a referral or recommendation. You can also consult with your insurance company to find a geriatric dermatologist in your network and nearby. Once you make an appointment, you can expect your dermatologist to conduct a thorough examination of your skin, including any areas of concern you may have noticed. They may re-examine certain spots with a dermatoscope, which is like a combination of a flashlight and a magnifying glass [25]. These exams typically take about 20 minutes and are painless. Before you attend your appointment, create a list of any questions you have, note any areas of concern, and bring your insurance card.

Prevention Strategies Specifically for Seniors

When it comes to skin cancer, prevention is key. Thankfully, there are many simple steps you can take to prevent the onset of most skin cancers [26]. Some of the best strategies for prevention include:

Sunscreen: Wearing sunscreen is highly recommended for reducing the risk of skin cancer because it can protect you from the dangerous effects of UV ray exposure. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 broad-spectrum and water resistant (the higher, the better) on all areas of the skin exposed to the sun (including your face, neck, chest, arms, legs, hands, feet, lips, scalp, or areas that people often won’t think about off the bat.) can help protect your skin from UV rays [27]. Sunscreen should not only be worn on sunny days, either. Wear sunscreen whenever the UV index is 3 or higher [27]. Remember to regularly reapply sunscreen (the reapplication guidelines is every 2 hours after sweating and swimming) and carry a travel bottle in your bag.
Protective clothing: In addition to wearing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing can also reduce the amount of UV rays that hit your skin. For example, consider wearing a shirt that covers your shoulders, sunglasses, long pants, a long skirt/dress, and a wide-brimmed sun hat that protects your head, ears, and neck.
Practice sun safety: Avoid direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., seek shade whenever possible, avoid tanning beds, and regularly monitor the UV index to minimize skin damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Creating Your Skin Health Action Plan

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of skin cancer is essential for all individuals, especially those at a higher risk, like seniors. It is important to conduct regular self-examinations for skin cancer and speak with your doctor for expert advice. Complete a skin check on yourself at least once a month, and see your dermatologist for a skin check appointment at least once a year. For ongoing education and support from medical professionals on senior care, contact Greater Good Health.

References: