Why Regular Skin Cancer Screenings are Important for Optimal Skin Health

When is the last time you’ve had your skin checked by a board-certified dermatologist? If it’s been years (or never), then this is your cue to schedule an appointment with your physician for a thorough skin evaluation! 

With skin cancer being the number one cancer diagnosed in the United States, a screening might just save your skin. Here’s why regular skin cancer screenings are important and why they’re essential for optimal skin health. 

What is a skin cancer screening? 

Simply put, a skin cancer screening is a visual evaluation of your skin. This procedure is typically performed by a board-certified dermatologist or physician who specializes in identifying atypical moles, dysplastic nevi, unusual marks, and other suspicious spots that might potentially be skin cancer. 

Skin cancer screenings are not painful, require no needles or invasive incisions, and usually take less than 30 minutes to complete. 

Additionally, skin cancer screenings can be done at home by yourself (use our self-exam guide) or in-office by a professional. 

We recommend patients perform monthly skin evaluations at home to stay aware of any changes to their skin and undergo a yearly skin cancer screening performed by a dermatologist with experience identifying certain skin conditions based on various signs and symptoms. 

Why are skin cancer screenings important? 

Skin cancer screenings are important because they can be life-saving. Skin cancer is the number one diagnosed cancer in the United States (more than all other cancers combined, in fact), and around 1 in 5 Americans will get it at some point during their lifetime. 

By undergoing regular skin cancer screening, you’re taking the necessary steps to reduce your risk or detect skin cancer early, which is essential for effective treatment and curability. 

Additional benefits of regular skin cancer screenings include: 

• Addressing your fears. If you notice a suspicious mole or spot on your skin and you think it might be skin cancer, a dermatologist can help address your worries by either telling you your skin is healthy or diagnosing skin cancer early so you can start a treatment plan. 
• Professional eye and attentiveness. Did you know skin cancer can show up anywhere on the body, not just where the sun shines? With a professional examining your skin, he or she can take a closer look at areas you might not be aware of. This helps to ensure your skin is in tip-top shape everywhere — not just where you got burnt by the sun once or twice. 
• Increased awareness. By undergoing a skin cancer screening with a professional, you become more aware of the places you should examine more carefully when performing your own skin screenings at home. Additionally, your doctor might tell you to keep an eye on a certain area or mole in case it changes over time. 

Skin Cancer Screenings at Cumberland Skin in Lebanon, TN

Are you interested in getting a professional skin cancer screening performed by a board-certified dermatologist? At Cumberland Skin, our dermatologists are experts in diagnosing and treating a variety of skin conditions, including skin cancer. 

We’re here to help you better understand your skin and achieve optimal skin health. Get in touch with us today by calling (615) 449-5771 or request a skin cancer screening appointment online. 

Cumberland Skin Surgery and Dermatology provides comprehensive general dermatology, skin cancer surgery, and cosmetic dermatology solutions for patients throughout the Southeast. We have offices in Hermitage, Lebanon, Brentwood, and Hendersonville, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, give us a call today at (615) 449-5771.

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