Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, yet it is also one of the most treatable when detected early. The five-year survival rate for melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is over 99% when caught in its earliest stage, a rate that drops considerably once the cancer spreads. Determining the right screening schedule depends heavily on an individual’s specific risk factors, rather than a single recommendation for everyone.
Professional Exams Versus Self-Checks
Skin cancer screening involves two different, yet complementary, methods: professional dermatologist examinations and personal self-checks. A professional exam is a full-body skin check performed by a dermatologist to evaluate the skin’s entire surface. This helps detect subtle abnormalities and inspect areas difficult for an individual to see, such as the scalp, back, and between the toes.
A skin self-examination is the process of checking one’s own skin at home, ideally once a month. This familiarity makes it easier to notice any new growths or changes in existing spots, such as changes in size, shape, or color, often summarized by the ABCDE warning signs. Self-checks are a necessary complement to professional exams, acting as a crucial surveillance method between scheduled appointments.
Baseline Frequency for Low-Risk Adults
For adults considered to be at low or average risk, the recommended frequency for professional skin checks is often one exam per year. Individuals in this category typically have no personal or family history of skin cancer, limited lifetime sun exposure, and do not have numerous or atypical moles. Some medical organizations suggest that average-risk adults between the ages of 20 and 40 might only require a full-body skin check every three years, transitioning to an annual exam starting at age 40.
Many dermatologists recommend an annual full-body examination for most adults to establish a baseline and monitor subtle changes over time. Regardless of the frequency of professional checks, all low-risk adults should perform a comprehensive skin self-examination every month. This monthly self-check ensures the timely identification of any rapidly evolving or suspicious lesions that appear between visits.
Personalizing Your Screening Schedule Based on Risk
The frequency of professional skin cancer screenings must be adjusted based on an individual’s specific risk profile. Individuals who have previously been diagnosed with any type of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma, face the highest risk for developing another skin cancer. For these patients, surveillance is often scheduled every three to six months following treatment, potentially extending to every six to twelve months later on.
Having a first-degree relative with a history of melanoma warrants more frequent screening, often every six to twelve months. Physical characteristics also classify an individual as higher risk, often requiring a professional check every six months. These characteristics include having very fair skin, a high number of moles (50 or more), or multiple atypical moles.
Chronic UV exposure (from outdoor occupations or tanning beds) or a history of blistering sunburns increases the need for semi-annual screenings. Individuals with a weakened immune system, such as organ transplant recipients, also require more intensive surveillance. Ultimately, the precise schedule should be determined through a discussion with a dermatologist who can consider the combination of all factors.