Abstract
Objective: To analyze the role of Primary Care in the early detection of skin cancer, aiming to show the main strategies used. Bibliographic review: Skin cancer is the neoplasm that has the highest incidence in Brazil. The identification of cancer at an early, early stage, or even premalignant lesions, such as actinic keratoses and dysplastic melanocytic nevi, is a good prognostic factor due to early treatment, with greater chances of cure and fewer surgical sequelae. Due to the fact that the skin is an easily visualized organ, it is important to guide the population in relation to warning signs. Family physicians should perform the screening based on clinical visual examination of the skin, including the ABCDE rule (lesion asymmetry, irregular edges, color heterogeneity; diameter greater than 6mm and evolution over time). auxiliary exams, such as dermoscopy, confocal exam and mapping of lesions, studies carried out by the dermatologist. Final considerations: It is important to guide the patient in reaction to the self-examination, at least once a month, to be always aware of possible changes.