The Undeniable Importance Of Getting A Skin Cancer Screening

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, affecting millions of people worldwide each year. In fact, the occurrence of skin cancer is noted to be higher than every other type of cancer.¹ While skin cancer is often treatable, early detection is critical to successful treatment outcomes. This is where skin cancer screening comes in.

Regular skin cancer screenings can help detect skin cancer in its early stages when it is most treatable. This article will explore the importance of skin cancer screening, including who should get screened, what to expect during a screening and the benefits of early detection. Whether you have a history of skin cancer in your family or just want to take proactive steps to protect your health, understanding the importance of skin cancer screening can help you make informed decisions about your health and well-being.

Are you a good candidate for skin cancer screening?

You might require a yearly skin cancer screening test if your chance of developing skin cancer is higher. You may be more vulnerable if you have the following:

Freckles, fair complexion, red or blonde hair, and blue or light-coloured eyes
50 or more moles
A history of prolonged or regular sun exposure
One or more sunburns with blisters
History of cancer in the family
History of prior squamous cell carcinoma and/or basal cell carcinoma

However, monitoring your skin is also beneficial even if you aren’t at higher risk. Hence, if you see an unusual mole or spot, it’s vital that you visit a dermatologist for a diagnostic inspection.²

If you want to check for skin cancer by examining your skin for any potential issues, you just have to remember your ABCDEs³:

“A” (asymmetry); moles or markings that have an odd shape or where one side that differs from the other.
“B” (border); irregular, angular, or scalloped mole margins.
“C” (colour); mole with a hue that varies from region to region
D (circumference); mole that is more than a quarter of an inch in diameter.
“E” (evolving); mole that changes in size, shape, or colour or if there is bleeding, itching, or tenderness.

What to expect at a health screening

When getting a skin cancer screen, you will have to take off your clothes and wear a gown before proceeding. Your doctor will conduct a thorough examination that includes checking your fingertips, buttocks, feet, and the area behind your ears. Your dermatologist may also use a special magnifying lens with a flashlight to examine some moles or spots more carefully. The test could last 20 to 30 minutes. Remember not to wear any makeup or nail polish before the screening.⁴

Benefits of early detection

Compared to treating late-stage cancer, early detection has a number of sizeable benefits. Early detection reduces the chances of disfigurement by limiting the size and scope of surgical removal and minimising the adverse effects that late-stage cancer patients encounter when undergoing systemic therapies. Early detection also saves the lives of patients who would not have reacted to aggressive systemic therapies and circumvents long-term side effects in those who would have needed to use them. Finally, early detection is likely to lower total care costs because early-stage treatments (like simple excision) are less costly than those utilised for late-stage disease.⁵

Conclusion

In conclusion, skin cancer screening is a crucial step in protecting yourself from the dangers of skin cancer. By getting screened regularly, you can detect skin cancer in its early stages, when it is most treatable. Remember, anyone can develop skin cancer, regardless of age, gender, or skin colour. So, it is essential to stay vigilant and get checked out by a dermatologist regularly. Early detection and treatment can make all the difference when it comes to fighting skin cancer. So, don’t put off getting screened – it could save your life!

If you’ve been convinced to get a skin cancer screening in Singapore, look no further than Angeline Yong Dermatology. We offer top-quality and well-rounded services including full digital mole mapping alongside skin cancer screening to provide patients with holistic dermatological care. Contact us today to learn more.

References

Linos, E., Katz, K. A., & Colditz, G. A. (2016). Skin Cancer-The Importance of Prevention. JAMA internal medicine, 176(10), 1435–1436. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.5008

Bramlet, K. (2019, August 13). Skin cancer screening: What to expect. MD Anderson Cancer Center. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/skin-screening-what-to-expect.h26Z1590624.html#:~:text=Skin%20screenings%20can%20detect%20melanoma%20and%20other%20skin%20cancers%20early.&text=Skin%20cancer%20screening%20exams%20are,annual%20skin%20cancer%20screening%20exam.

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2022, December 15). Skin cancer screening: Medlineplus medical test. MedlinePlus. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/skin-cancer-screening/#:~:text=For%20a%20skin%20cancer%20screening,at%20certain%20moles%20or%20spots.

Petrie, T., Samatham, R., Witkowski, A. M., Esteva, A., & Leachman, S. A. (2019). Melanoma Early Detection: Big Data, Bigger Picture. The Journal of investigative dermatology, 139(1), 25–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jid.2018.06.187

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The Undeniable Importance Of Getting A Skin Cancer Screening