An older patient has developed age spots and is concerned about skin cancer. How would the nurse instruct the patient to perform skin checks to assess for signs of skin cancer?

A) "Limit the time you spend in the sun."
B) "Monitor for signs of infection."
C) "Monitor spots for color change."
D) "Use skin creams to prevent drying."

The ABCD method (check for asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, and diameter) should be used to assess lesions for signs associated with cancer. Color change could be a sign of cancer and needs to be looked at by a dermatologist. Limiting time spent in the sun is a preventative measure but will not assist the patient in checking the skin or detecting skin cancer. Infection is usually not found in skin cancer. Skin creams have not been shown to prevent cancer nor would they assist in detecting skin cancer.