1 MIN READ
FEBRUARY 2026
Skin checks help catch cancer early
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers among Costco employees, affecting more than 6,000 employees and family members. In the U.S., 1 in 5 people will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.1 It’s also become increasingly common among young adults.2
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5-year survival rates for melanoma3 — the most serious type of skin cancer
Stage 0: about 100% when it’s caught before it spreads deeper into the skin
Stage 1–2 (localized): 97% once it grows deeper into the skin
Stage 3 (regional): 60% once it spreads to the lymph nodes
Stage 4 (distant): 16% once it spreads to other organs
Skin checks can help you catch skin cancer early, when it’s easier to treat.
Concerned about a new or changing mole?
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Take a photo and upload it to your doctor or describe what you’re seeing. Clinicians can tell you if it looks concerning or recommend following up with a specialist, such as a dermatologist or oncologist, for biopsies or treatment.
Need help finding a dermatologist? Get tips on how to find an in-network doctor.
Start with a self-exam
Doctors recommend a skin cancer self-check once a month, ideally after a shower or bath. Be on the lookout for any new, changing or unusual moles or spots. If anything seems off, you’ll want to get it checked by a dermatologist right away.Here’s how to do a self-exam:
Check your whole body in a full-length mirror — front, back and sides with arms raised.
Look at underarms, forearms and palms — bend elbows for a closer view.
Check your legs and feet — including backs of legs, between toes and soles.
Use a hand mirror for your neck and scalp — part your hair to see your skin.
Finish with your backside — use a hand mirror for hard-to-see areas.
Your primary care provider may recommend annual skin exams by a board-certified dermatologist if you have a:
- History of skin cancer in your family
- History of blistering sunburns or tanning bed use
- Large number of moles or a history of atypical moles
- History of regular sun exposure
Source(s):
1 Skin Cancer Foundation. Skin cancer facts & statistics.
2 Journal of Cancer Education. Increasing skin cancer prevention in young adults: The cumulative impact of personalized UV photography and MC1R genetic testing.
3 National Cancer Institute. Melanoma: Five-year survival rates.