Skin Cancer Screening: When and How Often You Should Get Checked

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but it is also one of the most treatable when caught early. Regular screenings give us the best chance to find suspicious spots before they become serious. Patients across Flint, Grand Blanc, and greater Genesee County often ask how often they really need to be checked, so let us walk through the essentials.

How often should I get a skin cancer screening?

For most adults, a full-body skin exam once a year is a reasonable baseline. However, the right frequency depends on your personal risk. Your dermatologist may recommend more frequent visits, sometimes every three to six months, if you have certain risk factors.

• A personal or family history of melanoma or other skin cancers
• Many moles, atypical moles, or fair skin that burns easily
• A history of significant sun exposure, sunburns, or tanning bed use
• A weakened immune system or prior radiation treatment

What happens during a skin exam?

A professional skin check is quick, painless, and non-invasive. Your dermatologist examines your skin from the scalp to the soles of your feet, including easy-to-miss spots like the scalp, between the toes, and behind the ears, often using a handheld device called a dermatoscope to look more closely at any concerning areas. If something looks suspicious, a small biopsy may be taken under local anesthesia and reviewed by a dermatopathologist, a specialist trained to diagnose skin conditions under the microscope. This microscopic review is what allows for an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment plan. Most exams take only fifteen to twenty minutes, and it helps to arrive without makeup or nail polish so nothing is hidden.

What warning signs should I watch for at home?

Between visits, monthly self-checks are one of the most powerful tools you have. Use a mirror or ask a partner to help you see hard-to-reach areas like your back and scalp. The ABCDE rule is an easy way to evaluate moles and spots, and you should note anything new or changing.

• Asymmetry, where one half of a spot does not match the other
• Border irregularity, with edges that are ragged or blurred
• Color that is uneven or includes multiple shades
• Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, about six millimeters
• Evolving size, shape, color, or a spot that itches or bleeds

Also watch for sores that will not heal, rough scaly patches, or a mole that simply looks different from the rest, sometimes called the ugly duckling sign. When in doubt, have it checked.

Does early detection really make a difference?

Absolutely. When melanoma is found early, the five-year survival rate is very high, but it drops significantly once the cancer spreads. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are also far easier to treat when small. Screening is a simple, low-effort habit that can genuinely save your life.

If it has been more than a year since your last skin check, or if you have noticed a spot that concerns you, do not wait. The team at Dermatology and Cosmetic Center in Flint provides thorough skin cancer screenings for patients throughout Genesee County. Call us to schedule your exam today.