Shereene IdrissBoard Certified Derm, Founder and Chief Nerd

The ABCDEs of Melanoma from a Dermatologist

18 May 2026 · 1 min

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In this brief educational video, dermatologist Shereene Idriss explains a simple five‑point mnemonic—ABCDE—to help anyone assess whether a mole might be melanoma. She defines each letter: Asymmetry (unequal halves), Border (irregular edges), Color (non‑uniform pigmentation), Diameter (larger than 6 mm, about the size of a pencil eraser), and Evolution (any change over time). Idriss stresses that melanoma kills roughly one person every hour in the U.S. but is highly curable when caught early. Because individuals cannot see every part of their own skin, she urges viewers to enlist trusted people—hair stylists for scalp checks and partners for hard‑to‑see areas—to act as a “village” for regular skin examinations. The video ends with a call to share the information with loved ones.

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How do you know if that mole is melanoma or nothing? 5-letter test that you can do at home because melanoma kills someone every single hour in the US, and it's something that is absolutely curable when caught early. Meet your ABCDEs. Asymmetry: half the mole doesn't match the other half. Border: the edges are ragged, irregular, notched, or blurred. Color: it's not uniform across the mole. The diameter is larger than 6 millimeters. About the size of a pencil eraser. And the most important one: evolution. The spot is changing in terms of color, shape, size over time. But here's the thing, you can't see your whole body, so get your village involved. Ask your hairstylist to check your scalp at your next hair appointment, and get your partner to check your back in bed and make it sexy time, because your health is sexy. Save this and send it to someone you love.