Skin Cancer Screening Screening Recommendations American Cancer Society recommends monthly skin self-exam and an exam by a physician every three years from age 20 to 40 and yearly after 40 American Medical Association recommends monthly skin self-exam and discussing with your physician how often an exam by a physician should be done US Preventative Services Taskforce could not find enough evidence in the literature to recommend for or against skin cancer screening. How to Perform a Skin Self-Exam Examine your body front and back in the mirror, then each side with arms raised. Bend your elbows and look carefully at palms, forearms, and upper underarms. Look at the backs of your legs and feet, the spaces between your toes and on your sole. Check the back of your neck and scalp with a hand mirror. Part hair for a closer look. Finally, examine your back and buttocks with a hand mirror. Adapted from American Academy of Dermatology recommendations.