How Often Should I Get A Skin Cancer Screening?

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. In some cases, it can also be very aggressive. Having skin cancer screenings performed regularly by a dermatologist and doing self-examinations could exponentially reduce the odds of skin cancer spreading throughout your body undetected. 

Most people should get a full-body skin cancer screening once a year. However, there are some individuals who should book these examinations more frequently, depending on their skin cancer risk. This group may include those who have a family or personal history of skin cancer, fair skin that burns easily, freckles, light hair, and/or light-colored eyes.

How To Detect Skin Cancer Early

Because skin cancer is one of the fastest-growing forms of cancer, it’s essential to take every possible measure to make sure it’s detected early. Follow these recommendations to reduce your risk of it spreading without your knowledge:

• Get regular skin cancer screenings. One of the most effective ways to detect skin cancer early is to have regular screenings, whether once a year or more frequently. Ask the doctors at Hollywood Dermatology & Cosmetic Specialists how often you need an exam based on your unique situation.
• Perform self-examinations regularly. Self-exams are done to look for any new growths or changes to a mole. You can follow the ABCDEs of skin cancer to check a mole once a month thoroughly. ABCDE examination method is:
  • A is for asymmetry
  • B is for border
  • C is for color
  • D is for diameter
  • E is for evolving

How To Reduce Your Skin Cancer Risk

While you can’t always prevent yourself from getting skin cancer, you can greatly reduce your risk by protecting yourself. Steps to decrease the possibility of being diagnosed with this type of cancer include:

• Reduce your exposure to the direct sun and any other forms of ultraviolet radiation, such as indoor tanning. 
• Avoid getting sunburns and being in the sun between 10 am and 3 pm. 
• Wear long clothing and a hat when you’re outside.
• Use sunscreen that protects your skin from UVA and UVB radiation.
• Wear sunscreen and reapply after swimming, sweating, and every two hours. 

Book Your Skin Cancer Screening Today!

Your skin health shouldn’t be overlooked. Call Hollywood Dermatology & Cosmetic Specialists in South Florida at 954-961-1200 to schedule your yearly cancer screening with one of our highly educated and experienced doctors. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized care to our patients.