When it comes to taking care of your physical and mental health, it can seem like there’s a never-ending list of tasks. It’s easy to let things slip, like skipping certain health services as you move through your busy life.
But when it comes to preventive health, skin cancer screenings are important. At Christos Doctors Inn Walk In Health Care in Lauderhill, Florida, Christopher Smith, MD, and the rest of our team offer a range of dermatology services, including professional skin cancer checks. Let’s dive into why this health screening is so important.
It’s a common misconception that only Caucasian people have to worry about skin cancer. And that’s understandable — having lighter skin definitely increases your risk of developing skin cancer.
But in truth, anyone can get skin cancer. While having more pigment (melanin) in your skin does provide a degree of protection from the ultraviolet rays that cause skin cancer, even people with very dark skin can encounter all forms of skin cancer, including melanoma, the most dangerous type.
Some of the known risk factors for skin cancer include:
But even if none of these factors applies to you, that doesn’t mean you’re exempt from any form of skin cancer.
Everyone can benefit from seeing a dermatology professional for occasional skin cancer screening. The process involves a thorough assessment of all of your skin, including areas you might not pay attention to, such as between your toes, on your scalp, and behind your ears.
Skin mapping is part of the process. Your practitioner creates a digital “roadmap” of your skin during the exam, documenting things like moles, skin lesions, and any other irregularities. This provides an excellent baseline for future skin cancer checks — noting changes that could point to abnormal cell growth.
During your visit, Dr. Smith talks with you about ways you can protect your skin from damage caused by ultraviolet rays. You also learn how often you need to come in for skin cancer screenings, as not everyone needs an annual skin check and some patients need checks more often.
Many people can discover cases of skin cancer or pre-cancer themselves, just by paying attention to their own skin. That’s why it’s so important to seek professional care anytime you notice unusual changes in the look or feel of your skin.
Keep an eye out for:
A skin cancer screening can provide answers as to what these changes could mean and which treatments are most effective, including skin cancer surgery when needed.
At Christos Doctors Inn Walk In Health Care, you have access to a wonderful team of medical professionals with a breadth of experience, including dermatology care. If you’ve never had a skin cancer screening or if you’re concerned about your risk level or changes in your skin, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment.
