Be Your Own Skin Detective: How to Catch Skin Cancer Early

When it comes to finding skin cancer early, you don’t need a magnifying glass and a trench coat — but a little detective work definitely helps. And the case you’re solving? It’s the most important one: your health.

Early detection is key to beating skin cancer, and the best detective on the job is you. This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we’re putting the spotlight on how monthly self-checks, advanced technology, and annual professional exams can make all the difference.

Monthly Self-Checks: Your First Line of Defense

Good detectives don’t miss a clue, and neither should you. Every month, take a few minutes to check your skin from head to toe. Here’s how to do a self-exam like a pro:

• Get good lighting and a full-length mirror. A handheld mirror is helpful for hard-to-see spots.
• Check everything. Start at your scalp and work your way down — face, ears, neck, chest, arms, hands, legs, feet, and even under your nails.
• Don’t skip hidden areas. Look between your fingers and toes, under your arms, behind your ears, and yes — even your backside.
• Look for changes. New spots, changing moles, rough patches, sores that don’t heal — these are your red flags.
• Use the ABCDEs for moles: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color changes, Diameter bigger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving over time.

Set a reminder on your phone if you have to. Detective work only works if you actually show up at the scene of the crime.

Annual Skin Checks at Midwest Dermatology: The Pros Have Your Back (Literally)

While you’re busy being your own skin detective, it’s smart to call in the pros at least once a year. Our board-certified dermatologists know exactly where to look — including places you can’t see, like your scalp, back, and behind your ears. (Because even the best detective can miss a clue when it’s behind their head!)

At Midwest Dermatology, our doctors are specially trained to spot suspicious lesions early, when treatment is simplest and most successful. Here’s why you’re in the best hands:

• Dr. Papenfuss is an experienced Mohs surgeon with extensive training — and our most seasoned skin cancer detective, spotting even the sneakiest signs early.
• Dr. Madison is a board-certified dermatologist and board-certified Mohs surgeon, bringing Mohs surgery to our Bellevue office, and helping patients get expert skin cancer treatment closer to home.
• Dr. Parker is a board-certified dermatologist and completed a prestigious Mohs Fellowship, giving him advanced expertise in skin cancer surgery.
• Dr. Darling is triple board-certified in dermatology, dermatopathology, and Mohs surgery — meaning she can diagnose and treat even the trickiest cases with expert precision.

When something suspicious pops up, our team is ready to help you navigate diagnosis and treatment with care, skill, and a personalized plan for a great outcome.

High-Tech Backup: FotoFinder Skin Mapping

Even the best detectives need the right tools. That’s where FotoFinder comes in — our high-resolution skin imaging system designed to help catch subtle changes before they become bigger problems. FotoFinder is available exclusively at our Papillion location, and all patients — whether you’re seen at Midwest Dermatology or elsewhere — are welcome to schedule a separate imaging appointment.  As a matter of fact, you can book your appointment right now by self-scheduling at midwestderm.com. or calling (402) 933-0800.

During a FotoFinder session, we create a detailed map of your skin to track spots and moles over time. If changes are detected, we’ll send the results directly to your Midwest Dermatology provider or your outside physician. It’s a powerful extra layer of protection — and it’s quick, easy, and painless.

While FotoFinder imaging is a separate service from your annual exam, it’s an excellent tool to support early detection and give you peace of mind.

Ready to Start?

Monthly self-checks. Yearly professional exams. Advanced imaging at Papillion. Expert physicians across all locations.
That’s not just smart detective work — that’s your skin’s best defense.  Book now at midwestderm.com or call us at (402) 933-0800.

Because when it comes to skin cancer, the best case to crack is the one you catch early.