Regular skin checkups with a qualified provider are important for your overall health because they can detect issues you may not have noticed. How often you should go depends on individual factors — Berman Skin Institute can create a personalized plan based on your skin’s unique needs.
How Often Should You Get a Full Body Skin Exam?
Some organizations recommend annual checkups with a dermatologist and more frequent screenings for higher-risk individuals. This is because skin cancer is the most common cancer in America, and early detection can improve the chances that your treatment will succeed. A provider can help you determine how often you should be screened.
In addition to seeing a dermatologist regularly, a monthly self-exam can help you get familiar with the moles and marks on your skin so you know when something changes and may need attention.
If you ever notice a suspicious mole or any concerning skin changes, come in for a screening right away, even if you are not due for a checkup. Early detection helps you get a diagnosis so you can start any necessary treatment.
What to Expect
When you get a skin cancer screening, your provider will speak with you about what to expect, take your medical history and ask you some questions about your health. You will change into a gown, and under bright lights, your provider will use a device called a dermatoscope or imaging equipment to examine all areas of your skin for any concerning moles or changes. Your provider will review the results of the screening with you.
Factors That Influence Skin Cancer Screening Frequency
How often you should see a dermatologist for skin checkups can depend on your:
- History of skin cancer: If you have had skin cancer or have a family history of the disease, your provider may recommend screenings more than once a year.
- Moles: When you have many moles, a dermatologist may recommend more frequent screenings, especially if your moles are atypical. This ensures early detection of any changes.
- Sun exposure history: If you have a history of excessive sun exposure or severe sunburns, you may be at higher risk of skin cancer and may need more frequent screening.
- Skin type: You may be more at risk of melanoma and other skin cancers if you have fair skin, which may warrant more frequent checkups.
- Immune system: If you have a weakened immune system, especially if you also have additional skin cancer risks, more frequent screenings can help you detect skin cancers early.
What Your Dermatologist Looks For
During a skin cancer screening, your provider will look for changes or new skin lesions and moles, as well as signs of sun damage and pre-cancerous spots. Not all of these signs mean you have cancer, but if your provider notices anything concerning, they may request follow-up tests.
Contact Us for a Skin Checkup
If you’re wondering how often you should have a skin check, schedule an appointment with Berman Skin Institute. Our medical dermatology center offers a personalized approach to checkup frequency and proactive screening to detect skin cancer early.
