RUGGED UV Safety and Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Check Your Skin for Changes

As UV Safety and Skin Cancer Awareness Month continues, RUGGED Mind and Body is sharing education, resources and practical tips from trusted sources to help trades professionals protect their health.

This week focuses on an important habit that takes only a few minutes each month: checking your skin for changes. For many people in the trades, years of working outdoors can result in significant ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Performing regular skin self-exams can help you recognize changes early, when skin cancer is often easier to treat.

Make Skin Self-Exams a Monthly Habit

Just as you routinely inspect your tools and equipment for signs of wear or damage, it is important to inspect your skin on a regular basis. The American Cancer Society recommends performing a thorough skin self-exam about once a month.*

During your self-exam, check your entire body, including areas that are easy to overlook:

Face and ears
Scalp (using a comb or asking someone to help)
Neck and shoulders
Arms, hands and under the fingernails
Chest, abdomen and back
Legs, feet, soles and between the toes

Using a full-length mirror and a handheld mirror can help you examine hard-to-see areas. Becoming familiar with your skin makes it easier to notice changes over time.

Know the ABCDE Warning Signs

Not every mole or spot is dangerous, but certain changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using the ABCDE rule to identify moles or spots that may require further evaluation:**

A for Asymmetry: One half does not match the other.
B for Border: The edges are irregular, uneven or poorly defined.
C for Color: The mole has multiple colors or uneven coloring.
D for Diameter: The spot is larger than about 6 millimeters, or the size of a pencil eraser.
E for Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, color or begins to itch or bleed.

If you notice any of these warning signs or any new or changing spots on your skin, schedule an evaluation with a healthcare provider.

Know When to See a Dermatologist

Some people benefit from professional skin examinations in addition to monthly self-checks. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends discussing regular skin examinations with a dermatologist if you have:***

A personal history of skin cancer
Years of significant sun exposure through work or recreation
Multiple unusual or atypical moles
A family history of melanoma

Many trades professionals spend years working outdoors, making regular skin checks an important part of maintaining long-term health. Finding skin cancer early often leads to simpler treatment and better outcomes.

Taking a few minutes each month to examine your skin is a simple habit that can help protect your health for years to come.

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