Skin exams crucial in detecting cancer

NEW YORK, NY — An annual skin exam ensures that skin cancers and precancers are detected before they can advance. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology confirms that delaying the diagnosis of skin cancer allows the cancer to spread, making it more difficult to treat.

Skin cancer is almost always curable when found and treated early, said Elizabeth Tanzi, MD, a spokesperson for The Skin Cancer Foundation.

Annual skin exams performed by a trained physician, coupled with monthly self-exams, offer the best chances of detecting skin cancer before it progresses.

To make the most of your visit to the dermatologist, Tanzi and The Skin Cancer Foundation recommend the following:

Before the exam: perform a full-body skin self-exam. For instructions on how and what to look for, visit http://www.skincancer.org/Self-Examination/, and make note of any new or changing moles, growths, or lesions. Any mark or growth that itches, bleeds, or otherwise calls attention to itself should also be recorded and pointed out to your doctor during your appointment. The foundation recommends that you examine your skin once a month.
Remove all nail polish from your finger and toenails. The doctor will need to look at your nails and nail beds, since skin cancers can form there.
Wash off your makeup so that the doctor can look closely at your face.
If you have long hair, pull it back so that the doctor can easily see behind your ears and neck.

The exam itself will likely be brief, said Dr. Tanzi: An annual skin exam on a patient who has never had dysplastic — atypical — moles takes about 10 minutes. Atypical moles are benign, but look suspicious and could be a risk factor for skin cancer. The more moles you have, the higher your risk for skin cancer and the longer the exam.

Ask the dermatologist to examine closely any moles, growths, or lesions you noted during your skin self-exam. Your dermatologist may biopsy — remove a layer of skin for examination under a microscope — suspicious-looking growths.

Have a pencil and paper on hand so that you can take notes if necessary. Also ask your doctor to spell out terms youre not familiar with this will make it easier for you to research facts on your own.

Don't hesitate to request relevant literature, ask your doctor to recommend a reputable source of information and/or find out about possible diagnostic tests, treatment options, and cure rates.

Ask your dermatologist if he or she recommends any further action at this time, and when you should schedule a follow-up appointment.

An annual skin exam is just one part of a complete prevention program and an overall healthy lifestyle. For more information please visit www.SkinCancer.org.

The Skin Cancer Foundation is the only global organization solely devoted to the prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer. The mission of the foundation is to decrease the incidence of skin cancer through public and professional education and research. For more information, visit, www.SkinCancer.org.

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