Skin Cancer Screening

Skin cancer screening is a process where a healthcare professional examines your skin to look for signs of skin cancer. It's an important step in detecting skin cancer early, when it's more treatable.

Why Get Screened?

Getting screened for skin cancer can help detect the disease at an early stage, which can improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of complications. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and it's often caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.

Who Should Get Screened?

Certain individuals are at higher risk for skin cancer and should get screened regularly. These include:

• People with a family history of skin cancer
• Those who have had previous skin cancers
• Individuals with fair skin, blonde or red hair, and light-colored eyes
• People who spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in sunny climates
• Those who use tanning beds or have used them in the past
• Individuals over the age of 50

What to Expect During a Screening

A skin cancer screening typically involves a visual examination of your skin by a healthcare professional. They will look for any unusual moles, sores, or other growths that could be signs of skin cancer.

The exam may include:

• A full-body skin exam, where the doctor checks your skin from head to toe
• An examination of any moles or growths you've noticed
• A review of your medical history and risk factors for skin cancer

Types of Skin Cancer

There are several types of skin cancer, including:

• Basal cell carcinoma: the most common type of skin cancer, which grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body
• Squamous cell carcinoma: a type of skin cancer that can grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body if left untreated
• Melanoma: the most aggressive type of skin cancer, which can spread quickly to other parts of the body if not caught early

What Happens If Skin Cancer Is Detected?

If skin cancer is detected during a screening, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you. Treatment may include:

• Surgical removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue
• Topical treatments, such as creams or gels, to treat early-stage skin cancers
• Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells
• Chemotherapy to treat advanced skin cancers that have spread to other parts of the body

Prevention and Early Detection

To reduce your risk of skin cancer, it's essential to:

• Use sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 daily
• Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants, when spending time outdoors
• Avoid tanning beds and limit your time in the sun, especially during peak hours (10am-4pm)
• Conduct regular self-exams to check for any changes in your skin