The Importance of Regular Skin Checks

More people are diagnosed with skin cancer annually in the United States than all other cancers combined; one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the time they’re 70. That’s the bad news.

The good news is that most of these cancer diagnoses are treatable, and the earlier they’re detected and treated, the better.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jean-Denis Boucher and his team at Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic in Live Oak, Texas, recommend that patients have a full-body skin check annually, and more often if they are at higher risk of skin cancer. That’s in addition to checking your own skin monthly.

Here’s why.

The hidden risks of skin cancer

Skin cancer may seem harmless at first — just a mole here or a dry patch of skin there. However, it can quickly turn life-threatening, especially if you ignore the signs. 

Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, can even spread to other organs. Even nonmelanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma can grow and cause significant damage if not caught early.

Everyone should know these key facts:

• Roughly 20% of Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
• Early-stage melanoma has a 99% five-year survival rate.
• Everyone, regardless of age and skin tone, can develop skin cancer.

Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate, and early identification through screenings is your best line of defense.

Beyond sunscreen

One of your most effective weapons against skin cancer is your partnership with your dermatologist. 

The average human skin covers an incredible 21 square feet. While some areas are more exposed than others, your skin undergoes a fair amount of abuse in its role as your primary shield, leading to spots, scars, and wrinkles that increasingly crop up with each passing year.

As these blemishes accumulate, it can be complicated to keep track of them, figuring out which may be “suspicious” and which are perfectly normal results of your skin’s journey. That’s where the expertise of a highly-trained dermatologist comes in. Your dermatologist knows what to look for, and with annual skin scans, he’s able to quickly and efficiently eliminate potential threats before they have the chance to develop into a more serious skin problem.

What happens during a skin cancer screening?

A skin cancer screening is a painless exam. It entails a comprehensive full-body check to identify any unusual moles, spots, or lesions.

Here’s what you can expect during your screening:

1. An expert’s eye: Your provider checks your skin with a magnifying device, paying special attention to high-risk areas like your scalp, ears, and between your toes.
2. ABCDE method: We assess your moles using the ABCDE rule — checking for asymmetry, border irregularities, color variations, diameter larger than 6mm, and any evolution in a mole.
3. Quick and efficient: If you’re cancer-free, the screening usually takes no more than 10 minutes.
4. Biopsy, if needed: We remove a small tissue sample for lab testing if something appears suspicious.

Be proactive

Don’t wait for warning signs to appear. Book a professional skin cancer screening, call the office at 210-651-3233, or book online. We serve the greater San Antonio area.