Skin cancer screenings are one of the easiest and best ways to protect your health. At Kendall Dermatology, our skilled providers use these brief appointments to track changes to your skin texture or moles, enabling us to catch potentially cancerous lesions before they cause significant issues.
If you’re curious about skin cancer screenings, read on to find out why they’re a vital part of your annual medical checkups, or call 305-595-0393 to book an appointment.
1. You Have One or More Skin Cancer Risk Factors
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a yearly skin cancer screening for adults, but you might require more frequent appointments. While anyone, regardless of skin color or family history, can have skin cancer, you could be more likely to develop it if:
- You have more than 50 moles.
- You have red or blonde hair, freckles, fair skin, and light-colored eyes.
- You’ve had skin cancer in the past.
- You have a family history of melanoma.
If you have these risk factors, it’s important to remember that skin cancer isn’t inevitable and that early detection most often leads to positive outcomes. Kendall Dermatology’s providers can recommend an appropriate screening schedule to keep you healthy.
2. You Have an Atypical Mole or Skin Lesion
You don’t need to wait until you notice an atypical mole or skin lesion to book a screening. However, if you see an unusual skin patch or have an atypical mole, it’s time to schedule your appointment. Precancerous moles often share specific characteristics shortened to ABCDEs: asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolving.
3. You’ve Experienced a Lot of Sun Exposure
We’ve all been guilty of skipping sun protection a few times, especially as children. However, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, even one blistering sunburn in your childhood can more than double your risk of developing melanoma later in life.
While you can’t undo the past, you can commit to practicing sun safety in the future. Wearing an SPF 30+ sunscreen, avoiding midday exposure, and choosing protective clothing can prevent new damage.
Schedule Your South Miami Skin Cancer Screening
Skin cancer screenings can sound intimidating, but booking an appointment with one of our warm and welcoming providers empowers you to make informed decisions about your future health. Call 305-595-0393 to book your screening with Kendall Dermatology in Miami, Florida.