Who Should Be Screened for Skin Cancer?
By Lily Talakoub | Published on April 6, 2011 | 0 Comments
By now, most of us understand that prolonged exposure to the sun isn’t good for our skin. Those of us who spend lots of time outdoors without sunscreen are likely to experience broken capillaries, discoloration, and premature aging. And we’re also much more likely to develop various types of skin cancers.
Arlington, VA, dermatologist Lily Talakoub, MD, of McLean Dermatology and Skin Care Center says that there’s a common misconception that only fair-skinned Caucasians need to worry about skin cancer, which is simply not the case. Dr. Talakoub says absolutely everyone over the age of 20 should be screened at least once per year for skin cancer, and certain people ought to be screened even earlier and more frequently.
Who Is Most at Risk?
While skin cancers can affect individuals of all skin types and colors, it is true that light-skinned, light-haired people are most at risk. Individuals with a family history of skin cancer are also at an increased risk.
“If you have a family history of skin cancer, have blond hair and blue eyes, have red hair and green eyes, or otherwise very fair skin, you should be screened even before you turn 20,” says Dr. Talakoub.
First Signs of Skin Cancer
Even if you have been screened for skin cancer in the past, if you notice anything about your skin that just doesn’t seem right, make an appointment with your dermatologist. For instance, if you’ve noticed a lesion that doesn’t seem to heal, have it evaluated. Dr. Talakoub says that it’s not uncommon for a patient to say that he or she has a “pimple” that doesn’t seem to go away. That “pimple” may actually be a type of skin cancer. Other suspicious signs include:
- A waxy-looking bump
- A scar-like lesion that is either brown or flesh-colored
- A firm, red bump
- A flat lesion with a scaly or crusty surface
- A mole that bleeds, or changes in size or color
- A mole with an irregular border or unusual color
- Dark lesions on palms, fingertips, soles of feet or toes, or on mucous membranes
Skin Cancer in Dark Skin
Although many people with darker skin believe they’re not at risk for skin cancer, there’s been a significant increase over the last ten years in invasive melanoma (the most serious kind of skin cancer) in dark-skinned individuals. Because early signs of skin cancer can be difficult to see on dark skin, these cancers are often detected at later stages than in light-skinned patients. This means they are more difficult to treat and more likely to be deadly.
“No one is immune from skin cancer,” insists Dr. Talakoub. “Even someone who thinks he isn’t in the sun very much or doesn’t usually burn in the sun can develop skin cancer, and the longer he waits to see a dermatologist, the more serious the situation can become.”
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.