How to Get a Skin Cancer Screening

Skin cancer is a disease in which damaged cells are found in your skin. Because most skin cancers occur in the outermost layers of the skin, it is usually detectable at an early stage. It is the most common form of cancer in the US. Here is how to get a skin cancer screening.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Begin by knowing how often you should get a skin cancer screening. The American Cancer Society recommends you get a skin cancer screening every 3 years if you are between the ages of 20-39 and every year after the age of 40.

2. Recognize that if you have high risk factors; you are fair skinned, blue eyed, burn easily, spend a lot of time in the sun or live in a sunny area, have a family history of skin cancer and/or moles you will want to consider getting a skin cancer screening more often.

3. Schedule an appointment with a physician who is qualified to detect skin cancers such as a dermatologist.

4. At your appointment do not wear any jewelry, nail polish or a wig.
   Your exam will take about 2-3 minutes and your doctor should be able to visually see and examine your entire body including your scalp, hands and feet including the finger and toe nails.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear sunscreen to help prevent skin cancers
• If you have an unusual skin growth call your doctor. Skin cancer is very treatable and few people die from skin cancer if it is caught in time.

[3-Point]

on 10/24/2008 Thanks for this article. It is very helpful.

[veryirie]

on 10/20/2008 Thanks for this info!

[amylaine]

on 10/19/2008 Great article.