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Regardless of age or skin tone, it is important to consult your dermatology provider for an annual skin check to ensure no new or changing lesions, and remember to always use sunscreen and sun protective clothing when outside to help prevent skin cancer!
Skin cancer tends to develop over time, due to previous years of damage caused by UV rays, which is often due to sunlight. There are three most common types of skin cancer: squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma, which are on the rise. Although skin cancer is relatively simple to treat and cure, it is important to conduct regular skin checks so that no suspicious lesions go unaccounted. If one tends to ignore such lesions or think a small mole or red spot is “no big deal,” it can go unnoticed for many years, which can cause treatment to be more difficult as well as physically disfiguring.
Often, dermatology providers hear that patients feel embarrassed to come in for annual skin checks, or often deny the mole they “have had their entire life,” could be dangerous. It is crucial to overcome these obstacles and be aware of any new red/pinkish or non-healing sores as they may need to be biopsied by your provider if they deem it as suspicious. When looking at moles, it is crucial to pay attention to the ABCDE’s, which stand for asymmetry (not a perfect circle), borders (irregular), colors (multiple colors), diameter (larger than 6mm), and evolving (changing over time).
It is also important to note that skin cancer is more common in certain type of individuals, however, it can happen to anyone. Patients with more fair skin tones, family history of skin cancer, personal history of multiple severe sunburns, immunocompromised, and history of radiation all have an increased risk of developing skin cancer.
Most skin cancers can be treated as an in-office procedure, certain topical agents, or out-patient Mohs surgery if your provider deems necessary. Other treatments can include more extensive surgeries, medications, and even radiation, so early detection is always best.
Regardless of age or skin tone, it is important to consult your dermatology provider for an annual skin check to ensure no new or changing lesions, and remember to always use sunscreen and sun protective clothing when outside to help prevent skin cancer!