Why Are Skin Cancer Screenings So Crucial?

With more than 5 million cases diagnosed annually, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Despite this staggering statistic, many people underestimate the importance of routine skin cancer screenings. 

At Easton Dermatology Associates, serving the Easton, Salisbury, and Stevensville, Maryland, areas, our mission during Skin Cancer Awareness Month this May is to shed light on why these check-ups might just save your life.

Here, our specialists explain why skin cancer screenings are essential and what they involve.

The hidden risks of skin cancer

Skin cancer may seem harmless at first — just a mole here or a dry patch of skin there. However, it can quickly turn life-threatening, especially if you ignore the signs. 

Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, can even spread to other organs. Even nonmelanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma can grow and cause significant damage if not caught early.

Everyone should know these key facts:

• Roughly 20% of Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
• Early-stage melanoma has a 99% five-year survival rate.
• Everyone, regardless of age and skin tone, can develop skin cancer.

Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate, and early identification through screenings is your best line of defense.

What happens during a skin cancer screening?

A skin cancer screening is a painless exam. At Easton Dermatology Associates, our screenings involve a comprehensive full-body check that identifies any unusual moles, spots, or lesions.

Here’s what you can expect during your screening:

1. An expert’s eye: Our dermatologists check your skin with a magnifying device, paying special attention to high-risk areas like your scalp, ears, and between your toes.
2. ABCDE method: We assess your moles using the ABCDE rule — checking for asymmetry, border irregularities, color variations, diameter larger than 6mm, and any evolution in a mole.
3. Quick and efficient: If you’re cancer-free, the screening usually takes no more than 10 minutes.
4. Biopsy, if needed: We remove a small tissue sample for lab testing if something appears suspicious.

Why early detection matters

Here’s how routine screenings make a real difference:

1. Stops progression: Early detection means we can treat skin cancers like melanomas before they spread to your vital organs.
2. Lower treatment intensity: Spotting cancer before it grows often means less invasive treatments, shorter recovery time, and fewer complications.
3. Cost savings: Treating skin cancer early is often less expensive than addressing advanced stages requiring surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.

Who benefits most from regular screenings?

Though everyone should prioritize their skin health, certain groups are at higher risk and may benefit even more from routine screenings. Talk to us about scheduling regular screenings if any of the following apply to you:

• Frequent sun exposure
• Fair skin, freckles, or light-colored eyes
• History of sunburns or tanning bed use
• People with 50+ moles or irregularly shaped moles
• Family history of skin cancer

Skin Cancer Awareness Month is an ideal time to take charge of your skin health through self-checks and professional exams. At Easton Dermatology Associates, we encourage all patients to:

• Perform monthly self-checks using the ABCDE rule
• Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, even if it’s cloudy 
• Call to schedule an annual professional skin screening

Don’t wait for warning signs to appear. Book a professional skin cancer screening at Easton Dermatology Associates in Easton, Salisbury, or Stevensville, Maryland. Call us or use our online booking feature to schedule your appointment.