Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but the good news is it’s also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers — when it’s caught and treated early.
Along with daily sunscreen wear, regular skin checks are your first line of defense, and we strongly encourage our patients to schedule regular screenings.
How often? This May, in recognition of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, that’s exactly what our board-certified dermatologists at Sanford Dermatology are here to answer.
Skin cancer doesn’t always come with obvious warning signs. Some spots might look suspicious, but others can develop under the radar, making them easy to overlook.
That’s where professional skin cancer screenings come in.
Our dermatologists are trained to detect early changes in the skin that could indicate cancerous or precancerous cells. Catching skin cancer early — especially melanoma — significantly improves treatment outcomes and can even be life-saving.
The general rule of thumb for skin cancer screening frequency is once a year for most adults. However, some people should come in more often. It all depends on your risk level:
If you have no personal or family history of skin cancer and don’t spend excessive time in the sun, you might only need a skin check every one to two years. Still, we recommend monthly self-exams to monitor any changes. Here’s how:
For more information about suspicious moles, read our recent blog post.
You should schedule screenings at least once a year — or even more often — if you have:
For these individuals, we strongly encourage professional skin cancer screenings every six months instead of annually.
If you’ve had any type of skin cancer before — either melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) — your risk of developing skin cancer again is much higher. In these cases, we recommend check-ups every three to six months for at least a few years after your diagnosis.
Skin cancer checks are quick, painless, and non-invasive. We start by checking your skin from head to toe, including the areas you might not think to look at (your scalp, the tops of your ears, and the bottoms of your feet). This process is designed to be as comfortable and efficient as possible.
If there are any suspicious moles or growths, we either take close-up images or use a dermoscope to examine them in detail. In some cases, we may also take a biopsy and have it examined for signs of cancer.
The best part? The whole process usually takes 10-15 minutes — a small time investment for something that could save your life.
You can play a huge role in protecting your skin and preventing cancer. Here are some of our favorite skin health tips:
When it comes to skin cancer, early detection is key. An annual screening is enough for most people, but if you’re at higher risk, you might need more frequent appointments with our team. No matter what, regular self-exams and sun protection should be part of your wellness routine.
If you’re due for a skin check, don’t put it off. Call or click online to schedule a skin cancer screening at your nearest Sanford Dermatology office in Sanford, Pittsboro, or Lillington, North Carolina, today.
