Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, affecting millions of individuals each year. While there are many different varieties, the majority of skin cancer diagnoses belong to three primary types: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. According to Dr. Weilan Johnson of U.S. Dermatology Partners Georgetown, “Skin cancer is a condition that ranges in severity from highly treatable to life-threatening. Fortunately, early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes. Performing self-checks at home significantly improves chances for successful skin cancer treatment, but you have to learn how to effectively perform regular skin cancer self-exams and recognize when to seek professional help.” Keep reading to learn more from Dr. Johnson how you can reduce the risks associated with skin cancer and improve overall skin health.
Why Regular Skin Cancer Screenings are Important
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. This statistic highlights the importance of taking proactive measures to identify skin abnormalities early. Regular self-exams, coupled with professional skin cancer screenings, form a powerful combination in the fight against skin cancer. Prevention and early detection empower individuals to safeguard their health, making education and vigilance key components of skin cancer management.
While professional screenings by dermatologists are critical, self-exams for skin cancer serve as an essential first line of defense. By becoming familiar with the normal appearance of your skin, you’re more likely to notice changes that warrant further examination. Certain individuals face a higher risk of developing skin cancer, making skin cancer self-checks more important. Those with fair skin, light hair, and light eyes, as well as individuals with a family history of skin cancer or a personal history of frequent sunburns are all at higher risk for developing skin cancer. If you fall into one or more of these categories, regular self-exams and professional checkups are especially critical.
How to Perform a Self-Skin Cancer Exam
Performing a skin cancer self-check is relatively simple, but it’s important to be thorough and know what to look out for. According to Dr. Johnson, “The key to skin cancer self-checks is simple – take your time, especially if it’s your first time performing a skin cancer screening. Take careful note of all lesions, freckles, moles and any skin abnormalities in color or texture. After developing this baseline, you’ll be able to more quickly identify changes.” Below is Dr. Johnson’s step-by-step guide for skin cancer self-checks.
Step-by-Step Skin Cancer Self-Check Guide
- Maximize visibility – use a full-length mirror and a handheld mirror in a brightly-lit room to minimize shadows and ensure you’re able to clearly see any lesions or irregularities.
- Examine your entire body – start from your scalp and work your way down to the bottoms of your feet. Don’t forget often-overlooked areas like behind your ears, between your fingers and toes, fingernail beds, palms of the hands, and the soles of your feet.
- Take notes or photos – document any moles, spots, or lesions for easy comparison over time. This makes it easier to recognize new or evolving lesions that may indicate skin cancer.
- Ask for help – enlist a family member or friend to check areas you can’t see easily, such as your back.
The ABCDEs of Melanoma
The ABCDE rule is a helpful guideline for identifying potentially dangerous moles and skin lesions. It can be especially beneficial in achieving an early melanoma skin cancer diagnosis. The ABCDEs of melanoma skin cancer are:
- Asymmetry – one half of the mole does not match the other.
- Border – the edges of the lesion are irregular, blurred, or jagged.
- Color – uneven colors, including shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue, especially if colors differ from similar lesions or change.
- Diameter – any lesions larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- Evolving – any changes in size, shape, or color over time.
Warning Signs of Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinomas
While melanoma is often emphasized when considering skin cancer symptoms, other types of skin cancer also require attention. Key warning signs of the two most common forms of skin cancer, basal cell and squamous cells carcinoma include:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) – firm pearly or waxy bumps, often with visible blood vessels, or flat, flesh-colored patches.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) – scaly, red patches of skin, open sores that don’t heal, or wart-like growths.
Other Skin Cancer Warning Signs
Any lesion that itches, bleeds, or grows rapidly should be examined by a skin cancer dermatologist. Persistent sores, as well as new growths that look different from other moles or spots on your body, also warrant attention.
When to See a Dermatologist
According to Dr. Johnson, “Dermatologists are trained to differentiate benign lesions from potentially cancerous ones. They utilize specialized tools to examine suspicious areas in greater detail. Their expertise ensures that early warning signs of skin cancer aren’t overlooked. If you notice any common warning signs of skin cancer during your self-exams, it’s time to call your dermatologist for a professional opinion.” Early warning signs of skin cancer that necessitate professional intervention include:
- A mole or spot that meets one or more ABCDE criteria.
- A lesion that doesn’t heal after several weeks.
- Rapidly changing growths or new, unusual lesions.
Importance of Professional Expertise
If a dermatologist identifies a concerning lesion, they may perform a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. This involves removing a small sample of skin tissue for laboratory analysis. Additional imaging or tests may be conducted if melanoma is suspected to ensure accurate staging and treatment planning.
Skin Cancer Prevention Tips
When it comes to skin cancer prevention, Dr. Johnson says, “The sad truth is that many cases of melanoma can be prevented, or at the very least, risks can be mitigated with proper preventive steps. By taking a few simple steps to adjust your daily routine, you can minimize skin cancer risk, and many are able to prevent the development of skin cancer.”
- Apply sunscreen daily – sunscreen is your first line of defense against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days or during winter months. Re-apply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
- Avoid tanning beds – tanning beds emit concentrated UV radiation, which significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Avoid them altogether.
- Reduce sun exposure – don’t spend more time outdoors than necessary, especially during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm).
- Wear protective clothing – wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses with UV protection, and tightly woven fabrics shield skin from the sun. Long-sleeved shirts and pants provide additional coverage, especially during outdoor activities.
- Seek shade – whenever possible, stay in shaded areas, particularly during midday hours when the sun’s rays are strongest. Use umbrellas or portable canopies during outdoor events to create your own shade.
Take Preventive Skin Cancer Detection for Early Diagnosis and Treatment
According to Dr. Johnson, “Skin cancer is a serious yet preventable condition. By conducting regular self-exams and scheduling routine screenings with a dermatologist, you can catch potential issues early and ensure timely treatment. Early skin cancer detection saves lives, particularly in cases of melanoma, where survival rates are much higher when diagnosed early.”
Schedule a Professional Skin Cancer Examination
Don’t wait until it’s too late to prioritize your skin health. Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist for a professional skin cancer screening and take proactive steps to protect yourself. To visit a local U.S. Dermatology Partners office today to safeguard your health and achieve peace of mind, just spend a few moments completing our simple online scheduling form. A member of a local dermatology team will be in touch soon to finalize the details.
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