Do I Need Yearly Skin Cancer Checks?
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting people of all ages, skin tones, and backgrounds. Because early detection makes treatment more effective, many patients ask: “Do I need a yearly skin cancer check?” The answer depends on several factors, including your risk profile, personal and family history, and recent skin changes.
At Ohara Dermatology, we believe understanding your skin and how frequently to monitor it is an essential part of long-term skin health.
What Is a Skin Cancer Check?
A skin cancer check is a visual examination of your skin by a board-certified dermatologist — where the entire surface of your skin is inspected for unusual spots, moles, or growths. Depending on the setting, this can be a full-body exam when privacy allows or a focused check of exposed areas.
These checks are designed to find suspicious lesions early, when most skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, are most treatable.
During the check, a dermatologist looks for spots that are changing in size, shape, color, or texture, and may recommend closer evaluation with a biopsy if something looks concerning.
How Often Should You Have a Professional Check?
There is no one-size-fits-all recommendation for people to have annual exams. Dermatologists emphasize that annual checks are a sensible and proactive approach for many patients — especially those with certain risk factors — and annual professional exams remain common practice in dermatology. If you have a strong personal of family history of skin cancer, more frequent checks may be recommended.
Who Is More Likely to Benefit From Yearly Checks?
You may benefit from yearly (or more frequent) professional skin cancer exams if you have one or more of the following:
A personal history of skin cancer
A family history of melanoma
A large number of moles or atypical moles
Fair skin that burns easily or a history of intense sun exposure
History of blistering sunburns or tanning bed use
New, changing, itchy, or bleeding spots on your skin
Professional checks are especially important for people at higher risk, since they increase the chances of catching skin cancers at their earliest, most treatable stage.
What About Self-Checks?
In addition to scheduled dermatologist visits, regular skin self-examinations are strongly encouraged. Many dermatologists recommend that patients perform a self-exam once a month to become familiar with their own skin and notice changes early. During a self-exam, you check your skin from head to toe — using mirrors or a partner to help view hard-to-see areas.
If you notice a new spot that looks different from others, or a mole that changes in size, shape, or color, it’s wise to schedule a visit with a dermatologist — even if you’re not due for your annual exam.
What Is the ABCDE Rule for Melanoma?
One of the most helpful tools for identifying potentially concerning moles is the ABCDE rule. This simple checklist can guide you during self-exams and help you recognize when a spot may need professional evaluation.
Consult your dermatologist promptly if a mole or pigmented spot shows any of the following:
A — Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half.
B — Border: Edges are irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined.
C — Color: The color is uneven or includes shades of tan, brown, black, white, red, or blue.
D — Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller.
E — Evolving: The mole looks different from others or is changing in size, shape, color, or symptoms such as itching or bleeding.
Not all melanomas follow these rules exactly, but the ABCDE framework is a valuable guide for knowing when to seek expert care.
What Changes in Moles Should You Watch For?
In addition to the ABCDEs, paying attention to change over time is one of the most important aspects of skin cancer detection. A mole that looks different from your other moles—or one that suddenly changes—deserves attention.
You should schedule a dermatology visit if you notice:
New moles appearing in adulthood
A mole that grows, darkens, or changes shape
Bleeding, itching, or tenderness in a spot
A lesion that doesn’t heal
A helpful habit is to check your skin monthly. Many patients find it easy to remember by doing a self-exam on their birthday or at the start of each month.
What Happens During a Professional Skin Cancer Exam?
A professional skin exam is typically quick and painless. A board-certified dermatologist will examine your skin visually, often using a magnifying tool to better evaluate moles and spots. The full process may include:
A review of your personal and family history
Inspection of all areas of your skin — including scalp, hands, feet, and areas not usually exposed to the sun
Documentation and measurement of suspicious spots
Recommendations for biopsy or monitoring of specific lesions
If anything concerning is found, your dermatologist can explain the next steps right away.
Why Yearly Skin Checks Matter
Skin cancer caught early is often easy to treat and highly curable. Regular professional exams and self-exams give you the best chance of finding suspicious lesions before they develop into more serious conditions.
Whether you come in annually or on a schedule tailored to your risk profile, the goal is the same: to stay proactive about your skin health and catch anything concerning early.
If you’d like help determining how often you should be checked, or to schedule your next skin cancer exam, contact us at Ohara Dermatology — we’d be happy to support you with personalized care.
How Sun Protection Supports Skin Cancer Prevention
While skin checks are essential, daily sun protection plays a major role in reducing skin cancer risk. Dermatologists recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, ideally containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Key sun safety tips include:
Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure
Reapply every 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating
Use about one ounce (a palm-sized amount) to cover exposed skin
Don’t forget commonly missed areas like the ears, neck, scalp, and tops of the feet
Seek shade when possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Wear protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses
Avoid tanning beds and intentional sun exposure
If you’d like a tan, consider self-tanning products instead—while continuing to use sunscreen.
