Skin checks by age
No US body sets a yearly skin check for adults without symptoms: the USPSTF found the evidence insufficient to recommend for or against it. Cancer and skin groups do encourage checking your own skin and seeing a doctor about any spot that is new or changing. The bodies differ in emphasis, and your doctor decides what you need. (USPSTF, 2023) (ACS, 2026) (AAD, 2023)
What applies at each age
| Age | What the guidance says |
|---|---|
| Teens and adults up to 24 | Clinician skin exam: evidence insufficient (I) (USPSTF, 2023). With fair skin, counseling on limiting UV exposure is recommended (grade B) (USPSTF, 2018). Indoor tanning is an important risk factor in adolescents (USPSTF, 2023) |
| 25 to 49 | Clinician skin exam: I. With fair skin, counseling offered selectively, based on risk factors (grade C) (USPSTF, 2018). Since the early 2000s, melanoma rates under 50 have held steady in women and fallen about 1% a year in men (NCI, 2025) |
| 50 to 64 | Clinician skin exam: I. Older age and male sex are linked to higher skin cancer risk (USPSTF, 2023). From 50, melanoma rates have held steady in men but risen about 3% a year in women in recent years (NCI, 2025) |
| 65 and older | Clinician skin exam: I. Skin cancer screening is not on Medicare's preventive services list (Medicare.gov); Part B covers medically necessary doctor visits (Medicare.gov) |
The USPSTF statement does not apply to people with a personal or family history of skin cancer, or to people with symptoms such as changes in the size, shape or color of skin growths or irregular moles. (USPSTF, 2023) An I statement means the evidence is insufficient; it is not advice against a skin check. More: USPSTF grades explained.
Who is at higher risk
- Fair skin that sunburns easily, light-colored eyes, red or blond hair, and a history of frequent sunburns; UV from the sun and tanning beds is the major environmental risk factor. (USPSTF, 2023)
- Atypical mole syndrome, a strong family history of melanoma, or melanoma in the past: regular skin exams are especially important, and your doctor may suggest full-body photos to track many moles. (ACS, 2026)
What to look for: the ABCDEs of melanoma
- A, asymmetry: one half of the spot is unlike the other half.
- B, border: an irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.
- C, color: varying colors from one area to the next, such as tan, brown or black, or areas of white, red or blue.
- D, diameter: melanomas are usually larger than 6 millimeters, about the size of a pencil eraser, when found, but they can be smaller.
- E, evolving: the spot looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color.
If you notice a new spot, a spot that is different from the others, or one that changes, itches or bleeds, see a board-certified dermatologist. (AAD)
How to check your own skin
Use a full-length mirror in good light, then a hand mirror: look at your body front, back and sides with arms raised; your forearms, underarms, palms and fingernails; the backs of your legs, between your toes, your toenails and soles; your neck and scalp, parting your hair; and your back and buttocks. (AAD, 2023) (ACS, 2026)
Why there is no routine check
Skin exams to screen for skin cancer have not been shown to lower the number of deaths from it. Screening has risks too: false-positive and false-negative results, and scarring from a biopsy. (NCI, 2025)
Questions people ask
Should I get a full-body skin check every year?
There is no set schedule for people without symptoms. The USPSTF found the evidence insufficient to recommend for or against a skin exam by a clinician (I statement, 2023), and it notes that no US professional organization recommends routine clinician skin exams for screening. Your doctor decides with you, especially if you are at higher risk. (USPSTF, 2023)
How often should I check my own skin?
The American Cancer Society says many doctors recommend checking your own skin, preferably once a month. The American Academy of Dermatology says regularly checking your skin can help catch skin cancer early. (ACS, 2026) (AAD, 2023)
Who should have regular skin exams by a doctor?
The American Cancer Society says regular skin exams are especially important for people at higher risk of melanoma, such as people with atypical mole syndrome, a strong family history of melanoma, or melanoma in the past. Ask your doctor how often. (ACS, 2026)
Does Medicare cover a skin cancer screening?
A skin cancer screening is not on Medicare.gov's list of covered preventive and screening services. Part B covers medically necessary doctor services, such as a visit about a spot that worries you; you usually pay 20% of the approved amount. (Medicare.gov) (Medicare.gov)