Though the American Cancer Society recommends that all Americans regularly screen their bodies for signs of skin cancer, it’s also helpful to build a good reputation with a dermatologist you trust for regular checkups and screenings. After all, it can be difficult to see your entire body, and if you do find something concerning, a medical professional can provide further help. The earlier you can catch skin cancer, the better the success rate of early removal and complete remission. 

There are numerous types of skin cancers, including basal and squamous cell cancers, melanomas, Merkel cell skin cancer, skin lymphoma, and Kaposi sarcoma. The best way to treat these cancers is to avoid them in the first place by limiting your time in the sun and utilizing high SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen every single day, even if you plan to stay inside. Science has proven that light coming through windows in your home or car can lead to cancer, so it is important to protect yourself. 

When screening for skin cancer at home, it is important to look for any spots that have changed color or texture, that have uneven or jagged borders, that cause you pain or discomfort, or that seem to be growing quickly. Contact Premier Dermatology to schedule an appointment for a professional skin cancer screening or to learn more about a bothersome spot or mole.