When it comes to diagnosing skin cancer, early detection can make a significant difference in survival rates. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, has a 95 percent survival rate if it is detected in its early stages. However, that rate drops to only 16 percent when it is detected after it has spread. While one of the best methods to detect melanoma and other skin cancers is to conduct a monthly skin self exam (SSE), it can be difficult to accurately assess your skin without a way to remember the location and size of your existing moles.

According to a study to be published in the August 2006 Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, asking patients to map their moles on a drawing of their back during SSE can be a simple, low-cost way to reduce the risk of death from melanoma.

“Most melanomas are discovered by the patient,” said dermatologist Martin A. Weinstock, M.D, Ph.D., co-author of the study. “So we looked for a way to improve the accuracy of SSE. Conducting the SSE with the help of a diagram showing the location of moles, scars and other marks on the skin can help a person more easily notice any changes or new lesions, which are important warning signs for melanoma.”

The authors conducted a pilot study of 88 participants to test for SSE accuracy. After appointments with physicians, the participants completed a survey about their attitudes toward SSE, skin cancer history and demographic information. They then had photographs of their upper and lower backs taken with a digital camera.

Participants also were shown an educational video about SSE, given a brochure and instructed to perform an SSE before their next visit. They then randomly selected an envelope which contained either a blank piece of paper or a mole-mapping diagram. Those who received the diagram were instructed to draw their moles on it before they returned.

In the time between visits, the participants’ photographs were randomly altered, adding an image of a lesion that closely matched one of the participant’s own moles. When participants returned, they were shown the photos and asked to indicate what, if anything had changed.

Of the participants, 42 received the diagram and 46 did not. Of the group that received diagrams, more than half were able to identify the changes made by the researchers on the photos.

“The results suggest that asking the participants to create a mole-mapping diagram may improve the accuracy of SSE, particularly identifying a new lesion,” Dr. Weinstock said.

Dr. Weinstock and his co-authors also noted that health care providers provide a valuable role in encouraging people to do SSEs. Many of the study participants had not previously been encouraged to do SSEs by their providers and those who were encouraged were much more likely to do SSEs.

“Because early detection is key to melanoma survival, it is essential that people learn how to do it and do it regularly,” Dr. Weinstock said. “People who are concerned about how to do an SSE should contact a dermatologist who can show them how to assess their skin.”

American Academy of Dermatology