Early skin cancer detection is crucial for saving lives and preventing serious complications. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world, affecting one in five people by age 70, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. The good news? Most skin cancers are highly curable when caught early, making regular skin exams and awareness of skin cancer symptoms essential for everyone.
Why Early Detection Matters
Skin cancer, including late-stage melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, cutaneous lymphoma, Kaposi sarcoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma. all treated at Ackerman Cancer Center, often develops on visible areas of the skin. This means you have the unique opportunity to spot warning signs before the cancer becomes dangerous or deadly. Early detection allows for less invasive treatments and a higher cure rate with a Board-Certified Radiation Oncologist at Ackerman Cancer Center.
How to Perform a Skin Cancer Self-Exam
- Examine your skin once a month in a well-lit room, using a full-length mirror and a hand mirror for hard-to-see areas.
- Look for new, changing, or unusual spots, bumps, or moles. Pay attention to growths that are asymmetrical, have irregular borders, change color, or are larger than a pencil eraser.
- Watch for sores that don’t heal, rough or scaly patches, shiny pink or red bumps, or wart-like growths-these can be signs of basal or squamous cell skin cancer.
- If you notice anything suspicious, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Professional Skin Exams and Advanced Detection
Annual full-body skin exams by a dermatologist are recommended, especially if you have risk factors like fair skin, a history of sunburns, or a family history of skin cancer. Dermatologists use advanced tools like dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy to examine suspicious lesions and determine if a skin biopsy is needed for diagnosis.
Protect Your Skin, Protect Your Health
Don’t wait-early detection of skin cancer saves lives. Make skin cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection part of your routine. If you have questions or need a professional skin check, contact your dermatologist today.