4 Reasons That You Shouldn't Skip Your Skin Cancer Screenings

Skin cancer occurs when the cells in your skin begin to proliferate abnormally. Your dermatologist can help you identify and treat skin cancer with regular screenings. Here are some common reasons that people avoid getting screened for skin cancer, along with the reasons why it's important to get screened annually:

1. You don't think that skin cancer is a big deal.

Most skin cancers are treatable, especially when they're caught early. However, that doesn't mean that skin cancer should be ignored. When left untreated, skin cancer may metastasize to the rest of the body, where it can cause serious problems. Regular skin cancer screenings are the best way to protect yourself. 

2. You already perform self-checks for skin cancer at home.

Performing self-examinations at home is a great way to keep track of what's happening with your skin. You can look for moles and freckles larger than pencil erasers, those with irregular borders, and those with uneven coloration since these are all signs of skin cancer. However, there are some parts of your body that you can't see alone. A dermatologist can provide a second set of trained eyes to more thoroughly check your body for any skin cancer symptoms that you may have missed. 

3. You rarely go into the sun.

It's true that sun exposure can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. People with a history of sunburns are more likely to develop skin cancer than those who have not sustained some damage over their lifetimes. However, anyone can develop skin cancer, and people with fair skin are more likely to develop skin cancer than those with more pigmented skin. Even if you spend most of your time indoors and practice good sun-safe habits, such as wearing sunscreen and hats outside, you should still get checked for skin cancer annually. 

4. You are afraid that it will hurt.

Nobody likes enduring pain. Fortunately, skin cancer screenings are a painless process. When you see a dermatologist to get checked for skin cancer, you will be asked to disrobe. Your dermatologist will then carefully look over your entire body, searching for areas of concern. If your dermatologist finds a suspicious mole or lesion, they may want to take a biopsy. Biopsies are performed with the help of local anesthesia. You will be given an injection of lidocaine before your biopsy begins, which means you won't feel any pain during the process. If you require further treatment for skin cancer, these procedures will also be carried out under local or general anesthesia to ensure your comfort.

To learn more information about skin cancer treatment, go to sites like this.