Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, but it is also one of the most preventable and treatable when detected early. Regular skin cancer screenings are essential for early detection and successful treatment. At ID Cancer Center, we are committed to providing information and resources to help individuals understand the importance of skin cancer screening and how to protect their skin health.

What is Skin Cancer Screening?

Skin cancer screening involves a thorough examination of the skin to identify any suspicious moles, lesions, or growths that may indicate cancer. The primary goal of screening is to detect skin cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable.

Types of Skin Cancer

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC):

The most common type of skin cancer.

Appears as a waxy bump, flat lesion, or scar-like area.

Usually occurs in sun-exposed areas like the face and neck.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC):

The second most common type.

Appears as a firm red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface.

Also commonly found in sun-exposed areas.

Melanoma:

The most serious type of skin cancer.

Can develop anywhere on the body, often starting as a mole that changes shape, color, or size.

Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.

Who Should Get Screened?

Everyone should perform regular self-examinations of their skin, but certain individuals should consider professional screenings:

Individuals with a history of skin cancer: Regular screenings are essential to detect recurrences or new cancers.

Those with many moles or atypical moles: Increased risk of melanoma.

Fair-skinned individuals: Higher risk of skin cancer due to less melanin protection.

People with a history of excessive sun exposure or sunburns: UV damage increases skin cancer risk.

Individuals with a family history of skin cancer: Genetic predisposition to skin cancer.

How to Perform a Skin Self-Examination

Examine your body in a full-length mirror: Check your front, back, and sides.

Check your hands and arms: Don’t forget your underarms and palms.

Examine your legs and feet: Check between toes and the soles of your feet.

Use a hand mirror: Check your scalp, neck, back, and buttocks.

Look for the ABCDEs of Melanoma:

Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other half.

Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined borders.

Color: Varied colors such as shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue.

Diameter: Moles larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).

Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or color over time.

Professional Skin Cancer Screening

Dermatologist Examination:

A dermatologist performs a thorough skin examination, checking for any suspicious moles or lesions.

A dermatoscope, a special magnifying device, may be used to examine moles more closely.

Biopsy:

If a suspicious mole or lesion is found, a biopsy may be performed to remove a small sample of tissue for laboratory analysis.

Biopsies help determine if the lesion is cancerous and, if so, the type and stage of the cancer.

Benefits and Risks of Skin Cancer Screening

Benefits:

Early detection of skin cancer when it is most treatable.

Increased awareness of skin health and proactive monitoring.

Potential to identify and remove precancerous lesions before they develop into cancer.

Risks:

False positives can lead to unnecessary anxiety and additional procedures.

Biopsies and other diagnostic procedures may cause minor discomfort and scarring.

Overdiagnosis of non-threatening lesions, leading to overtreatment.

How to Protect Your Skin

Use Sunscreen:

Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.

Wear Protective Clothing:

Wear long sleeves, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.

Look for clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating.

Seek Shade:

Avoid direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.

Avoid Tanning Beds:

Tanning beds expose the skin to harmful UV radiation, increasing the risk of skin cancer.