Here's the truth: most men don't check their skin until someone else points out a weird spot. And by then? Sometimes it's fine. Sometimes it's not.
I'm Dr. G, and I'm here to be the voice inside your head once a month--the good voice, not the one that tells you to skip sunscreen because "it's cloudy."
You don't need a full routine or a spreadsheet. You just need one minute, once a month.
Why Monthly Skin Checks Matter
Men catch skin cancer later than women. Men die from skin cancer more often than women.
Not because the cancer is worse--but because men don't check their skin, ignore early signs, assume "it's probably fine," and avoid doctors until something is very wrong.
A monthly skin check changes that. Early detection saves lives. Period.
The 60-Second Skin Check
You have one minute. Let's use it well.
Stand in front of a mirror. Look at your face, neck, and chest.
Raise your arms. Check your shoulders, upper arms, and armpits.
Turn around. Use your phone camera to look at your back. (Yes, your phone. No excuses.)
Look at your legs. Front, back, sides--especially your thighs.
Feet and toes. Melanoma can hide in weird places.
Scalp. Use a hand mirror or ask someone you trust.
If something looks new, weird, or concerning--take a photo. Monitoring beats guessing.
What You're Actually Looking For
You're not trying to diagnose yourself. You're trying to spot changes.
Pay attention to: new moles, darkening spots, growing bumps, sores that don't heal, patches that itch or bleed, anything uneven or evolving.
Healthy skin stays predictable. Skin cancer does not.
When to Call a Dermatologist
(This is the part men ignore. Don't ignore it.)
Call if: a mole changes color, shape, or size. A spot bleeds for no reason. A patch won't heal after 4–6 weeks. Something just feels wrong.
If you're thinking, "But it's probably nothing," that's your cue to get it checked.
Pro Tip: Use the ABCDE Rule
Asymmetry. Border irregularity. Color variation. Diameter > 6mm. Evolving.
If a mole checks any of these boxes, come see me.
Your Annual Skin Exam: Non-Negotiable
You get your oil changed. You check your tires. You go to the dentist. You do basic maintenance because things work better when you take care of them.
Your skin deserves the same attention.
Once a year, get a full-body skin exam from a dermatologist. Painless, fast, and literally life-saving.
The Bottom Line from Dr. G
Skin cancer is common. Skin cancer is dangerous. Skin cancer is curable when caught early.
A one-minute monthly check + daily SPF can save your life.
Do the check. Do it monthly. And if something looks off? Come see me. I'd much rather tell you "it's nothing" than catch something too late.
So don't be a dick. Cover up and see your dermatologist.
- Dr. Gigler
