How often should one get checked for skin cancer?
January 7, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Andrea Schlosser
Dear Doctor,
My name is Dennis Eckstein and I am concerned about my skin health. There have been cases of skin cancer in my family and I also have some moles that worry me. I am wondering how often I should get checked for skin cancer in order to detect and treat any changes early.
Currently, I feel unsure as I do not know what signs to look for that could indicate skin cancer and how I can identify changes on my skin myself. I am afraid that there may already be cancer cells on my skin and I am not aware of it.
Therefore, I would be grateful if you could provide me with recommendations on how often I should get checked for skin cancer. Should I do this regularly by a dermatologist or are there self-examinations that I can perform? And at what age should one start with regular check-ups?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could answer my questions so that I can feel more secure in handling my skin health in the future.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Dennis Eckstein
Dear Mr. Eckstein,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an oncologist. It is understandable that you are concerned about your skin health given your family history and your own worries. It is important to educate yourself on preventive measures and early detection options in order to notice any changes early and treat them appropriately.
Regarding your question about how often you should have skin cancer screenings, there are general recommendations that I would like to explain further. It is recommended to have regular skin examinations by a dermatologist, especially if you have risk factors such as a family history of skin cancer or many moles. For individuals at increased risk, an annual skin examination is usually recommended.
It is also important for you to perform regular self-examinations of your skin. You should watch out for changes in your moles, unusual growths, or changes in skin color. There are various guides and tutorials available online that can show you what to look for during a self-examination. It is recommended to do this at least every three months to notice changes promptly and respond accordingly.
As for the age at which regular skin examinations are recommended, there is no set rule. However, it is recommended that individuals start having regular skin examinations from the age of 20, especially if they have risk factors for skin cancer. It is never too late to start regular screenings, especially if you are concerned or have risk factors.
I hope this information helps you and provides you with more clarity regarding your skin health. Please do not hesitate to contact me again if you have any further questions or concerns. Your health is important, and it is good that you want to be informed about it.
Best regards,
Andrea Schlosser
Oncologist
