4 Steps to Take If Skin Cancer Runs in Your Family
Having a relative diagnosed with skin cancer like melanoma can naturally be concerning. Read on to learn more about how that affects your risk and the steps you can take to protect yourself.
How Often Should You Get Your Skin Checked?
Skin cancer may not be on the top of many people's minds, but it should be as it's the most common type of cancer in the United States. It is estimated to affect one in five people at some point in their lifetimes and the rates are increasing. Fortunately, skin cancer evaluations can help catch an issue early and lead to the best possible outcome.
When it comes to fighting cancer, Dr. Trevan Fischer uses the most up-to-date surgical techniques at his private practice in Santa Monica, California. Before treatment for skin cancers like basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer, and melanoma, Dr. Fischer performs a thorough check of skin everywhere on your body. Here’s what he suggests when it comes to how often you should get your skin checked to ensure you catch any skin cancer early.
Skin cancer
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
The most common type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, usually occurs after years of exposure to the sun or tanning beds. It frequently looks like a pink or flesh-colored round growth, bump, or patch of skin and is most often found on the head, neck, and arms (though it can appear anywhere).
Squamous cell carcinoma is the next most frequent and can look like a scaly patch, red bump, or recurring sore. This type is most often found on areas exposed to the sun like the face, ear, neck, arms, chest, and back.
Melanoma is the most serious and can suddenly appear as a dark spot or may grow within an existing mole. While catching all types of skin cancer early is important, it is especially crucial in the case of melanoma since it can spread.
Skin checks
There is no official medical consensus on how often to get a skin check. Many dermatologists recommend once a year, but more frequently for people who are at high risk of skin cancer. Others believe the decision should be made on a more personal case-by-case basis.
When you do get your skin checked, we scan your entire body — from your scalp to your toes — to look for any suspicious spots. If we think a spot looks suspicious, we may be able to treat it during your appointment or take a biopsy to send to a lab to confirm the presence of cancer. Based on what we find, we can plan your treatment accordingly.
Risk factors
Some risk factors for skin cancer that could increase the importance of getting regular skin checks include:
- Having blond or red hair, light eye color, and fair skin that burns
- Having a history of unusual moles, more than 50 moles, or any that appear irregular
- Experiencing significant sunburns, including ones that blistered
- Using tanning beds
- Having a family history of skin cancer
- Being an organ transplant recipient
Any suspicious moles or other growths or blemishes should get professionally checked out by us as soon as possible so that we can address them before they spread.
If you have risk factors for skin cancer or any suspicious marks on your skin, call our office or book an appointment online today for a thorough skin check.
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