Do I Need a Skin Check?
Dr. Nianda Reid is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at Embrace Dermatology & Aesthetics in Philadelphia and Spring House, PA. Dr. Reid completed her dermatology training at Brown University in Providence, RI. Dr. Reid is a graduate of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and obtained a dual degree M.D./M.B.A.... more
Anyone can get skin cancer, however, certain characteristics and behaviors increase your risk of skin cancer in your lifetime. One in five people in the U.S. will develop skin cancer before they are 70 years old. Most experts recommend beginning screenings in your 20s depending on your risk.
While there are risk factors that are out of your control such as a lighter natural skin type or skin that burns easily with sun exposure, there are many things you can do to decrease your risk of skin cancer.
In addition to sun protection, it is also important to get your skin checked regularly (at least yearly and more frequently depending on risk and history) by a board-certified dermatologist especially if you are at higher risk for skin cancer (phenotype, family history, risky behaviors such as tanning bed exposure).
To aid in the examination, you will be asked to get undressed and get into a patient gown, and your provider will look at your skin with a trained eye from head to toe.
During your visit, you may be asked about your family history and personal history of skin cancer and abnormal moles. You should also point out any spots you are concerned about or any changes that you may have noticed in your skin lesions.
Skin cancer warning signs include changes in size, shape, or color of a mole or skin lesion, the appearance of new growth on the skin, or a sore that doesn't heal (which can be painful, itchy, or bleeding).
In regards to mole changes, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that patients become familiar with the ABCDEs of melanoma. A stands for asymmetry, B stands for Borders, C stands for color, D stands for Diameter, E stands for evolving skin lesion.
I usually also recommend that patients do monthly self-examinations of their skin to become familiar with moles and skin lesions present, and recognize new or changing lesions.
Remember, skin cancer is treatable but the earlier it is detected, the more positive the outcome.
