About ODD SPOT®
The Next Generation of Skin Cancer Education
Our Mission
At ODD SPOT®, our core mission is simple: to help people recognize the signs of skin cancer and take action. We aim to reduce the global burden of skin cancer through clear, evidence-based education, awareness, and early detection.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be the next-generation standard for public skin cancer education, providing a comprehensive, accessible, and evidence-based tool that empowers everyone—from patients and families to educators and healthcare providers—to identify the warning signs of all major skin cancers.
Why ODD SPOT® Exists
Bridging a Critical Gap
Skin cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in the United States, with over 6 million cases treated annually, and approximately one in five Americans will develop it in their lifetime. Despite this prevalence, a critical gap exists in public education:
- Incomplete Coverage: Older educational guides, such as the 40-year-old ABCDE mnemonic, were primarily designed for physicians and often exclude the features of Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), which are the most common types of skin cancer.
- Technical Language: Traditional mnemonics are often written in sophisticated, technical language, making them less effective for the general public.
ODD SPOT® was developed to fill this void by providing a tool that is comprehensive, plain-language, and visually engaging, covering the classic features of BCC, SCC, and melanoma.
The Scientific Foundation
ODD SPOT® is not just an acronym; it is an evidence-based educational tool built on a foundation of rigorous research and clear communication principles.
Development Process
The development of the ODD SPOT® mnemonic was an evidence-informed process designed to ensure maximum public resonance and clarity
Comprehensive Literature Review
The team conducted an extensive review of dermatology textbooks, peer-reviewed journals, and respected public-facing websites to identify the most critical and recognizable features of all three major skin cancers.
Public Survey and Refinement
The mnemonic was informed and refined using data from two public surveys involving more than 2,200 participants from The Sun Bus mobile screening program and a live conference. This ensured that the chosen descriptors—such as Dry/Scabby, Discolored, Puffy/Painful, and Open/Oozing—resonate with and are easily understood by lay users.
Readability Testing
The final tool was rigorously tested for accessibility, achieving a 6th-grade reading level on the Flesch Kincaid reading calculator and a 100% score on the CDC Clear Communication Index. This aligns ODD SPOT® with the clear communication guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the American Medical Association (AMA).
The Scientific Foundation and Validation
ODD SPOTTM is not just an acronym; it is a scientifically validated educational tool built on a foundation of rigorous research and clear communication principles.
Development and Validation Process
Comprehensive Literature Review
The team conducted an extensive review of dermatology textbooks, peer-reviewed journals, and respected public-facing websites to identify the most critical and recognizable features of all three major skin cancers.
Public Survey and Refinement
The mnemonic was informed and refined using data from two public surveys involving more than 2,200 participants from The Sun Bus mobile screening program and a live conference. This ensured that the chosen descriptors—such as Dry/Scabby, Discolored, Puffy/Painful, and Open/Oozing—resonate with and are easily understood by lay users.
Readability Testing
The final tool was rigorously tested for accessibility, achieving a 6th-grade reading level on the Flesch Kincaid reading calculator and a 100% score on the CDC Clear Communication Index. This aligns ODD SPOT™ with the clear communication guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the American Medical Association (AMA).
The full details of ODD SPOTTM‘s validation and development are forthcoming in a peer-reviewed publication, underscoring its credibility as an evidence-based resource.
Our
Mission & Founder
About ODD SPOT™ Our mission is simple: reduce the burden of skin cancer through education, awareness, and action. ODD SPOT™ fills a critical gap by providing an evidence-based, patient-friendly tool that covers all major skin cancers, not just melanoma.
Dr. Karen Babcock Nern
Our Mission & Founder
Our mission is to make skin cancer easier to see and understand through clear, evidence-based education. ODD SPOT® bridges a critical gap with an evidence-based, easy-to-understand tool that helps people recognize all major skin cancers—not just melanoma.
Meet the Founder
Karen Babcock Nern, MD, MBA, FAAD
Dr. Nern is a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon dedicated to prevention and early detection.
- Nonprofit Leadership: Co-founder and Medical Director of The Sun Bus, a mobile clinic providing free screenings, education, and research across 14 states since 2019.
- Clinical Excellence: Founder of a five-location dermatology practice in Colorado; named Doctor of the Year (2021) by Epiphany Dermatology.
Vision: Creator of ODD SPOT®, designed to make skin cancer education simple, evidence-based, and accessible to everyone.
A portion of ODD SPOT® proceeds supports skin cancer education charities, including The Sun Bus (https://thesunbus.org).
Seminars and Speaking
Engagements
Dr. Nern is a leading expert in dermatology and Mohs surgery, offering engaging seminars and keynote addresses on skin cancer prevention, early detection using the ODD SPOT™ mnemonic, and public health awareness. Her sessions are ideal for corporate wellness programs, medical conferences, and community organizations looking to educate their members on this critical health issue.
Our Scientific Team
We are proud to work with a distinguished team of physicians and scientists who contributed their expertise to the research and publication of the ODD SPOT® manuscript. By investigating and validating the evidence-based terminology used in the tool, this team has ensured that ODD SPOT® remains a scientifically sound resource for skin cancer education and awareness. Their dedication to clinical accuracy helps us provide a high-standard tool for early detection and public health.
Stan Tolkachjov, MD 
Stan Tolkachjov, MD
Tamara Terzian, PhD
Tamara Terzian, PhD
Neil Box, PhD
Neil Box, PhD
Enrique Torchia, PhD
Enrique Torchia, PhD
Eva Shelton, MD
Janmesh Patel, BS
Supporting the Cause
A portion of all ODD SPOT® proceeds is dedicated to supporting skin cancer education charities, including The Sun Bus (https://thesunbus.org), ensuring that our educational tools reach underserved communities and continue to advance the cause of early detection.
