Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with over 3.5 million cases diagnosed annually. While highly treatable when identified early, it can become life-threatening if left undetected. This makes regular skin cancer screenings by a dermatologist essential.
During a skin cancer screening, a dermatologist will thoroughly examine your skin from head to toe, looking for suspicious moles, growths, or other abnormalities. They will also check for changes in size, shape, or color of existing moles and any new growths.
If a suspicious area is identified, a biopsy may be performed. This involves removing a small tissue sample for microscopic examination to determine if it is cancerous. If skin cancer is confirmed, your dermatologist will create a personalized treatment plan, which may include surgical removal of the affected tissue, along with other therapies like radiation or chemotherapy.
Early detection significantly improves the success of treatment. Even if you don’t notice any visible signs of skin cancer, regular checkups with a trained dermatologist, such as Dr. Raskin, are vital as they can detect subtle changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Skin Cancer Prevention
DO:
- Wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved attire, especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
- Seek shade during peak sunlight hours.
- Get vitamin D through a balanced diet including fatty fish and egg yolks, or by taking supplements.
- Regularly examine your skin and consult a dermatologist if you notice changes in moles or unusual skin growths.
DON’T:
- Skip sunscreen when using insect repellent or wearing protective clothing; both are essential.
- Use tanning beds or sunlamps, as their UV radiation increases skin cancer risk.
- Rely solely on SPF in makeup or moisturizer; these products generally don’t offer adequate sun protection.
- Let yourself burn, as even one severe sunburn heightens your skin cancer risk.
Schedule your skin cancer screening at our Bakersfield location.