What is skin cancer screening?
Skin cancer screening is a thorough examination of the skin to look for possible skin cancers. Skin cancer screening can be carried out through self-examination or by a dermatologist. Our skin is the only organ that allows easy inspection with our naked eye. This means that self-examination can be effortlessly carried out. In some individuals, a skin check by a dermatologist may be necessary. During the skin check, the dermatologist will take a detailed history to assess the risk profile of the individual. This is followed by a clinical examination during which moles, birthmarks, spots and patches on the skin are checked for signs of skin cancer.
Self-examination of the skin can entail watching and observing moles, birthmarks or other bodily growths, to see if they change in shape, size or colour as time passes (hyper-link to ‘mole check’). This could indicate the presence of skin disorders, including cancers.
Why is skin cancer screening required?
Skin cancer screening can help identify and determine skin cancers in their early stages. This means that treatment can be instituted early with better chances of curing and recovery. Skin cancer screening is an important step in the determination of cancers, especially in those people who have certain risk factors. Some of these risk factors include:
- Past history of skin cancers
- Lighter skin types with a tendency to sunburn easily
- Multiple moles on the skin
- Frequent sun exposure through work or leisure
- Use of tanning beds in the past
- Family history of skin cancer
What are the next steps after skin cancer screening?
If a suspicious lesion is detected during the clinical examination, tests may have to be done to confirm the diagnosis. This is usually done by a skin biopsy. Treatment can be started once the diagnosis is confirmed.
