How Often Should You Get a Full Body Skin Cancer Screening?

For individuals who have a familial history of developing skin cancer, it's recommended that they visit a dermatologist at least once every six months for a complete full-body skin cancer screening. High-risk individuals may also include those who experience excessive sun exposure, tan frequently, and have skin that is already prone to the development of moles, tags, and irregular bumps.

For most adults, it's recommended that a full-body skin cancer screening be conducted at least once a year. Seeing a dermatologist annually once will help detect irregular mole shapes, growths, and areas of concern that may require additional screening or a biopsy. An annual checkup is advisable for those with little to no history of skin irregularities, diseases, or familial skin conditions that are linked to skin cancer.

When it comes to scheduling your full body cancer screenings, it's essential to do so only after you've considered your lifestyle, habits, and personal risk factors for developing any form of skin cancer. Some special considerations and risk factors to keep in mind when determining the frequency of your full-body skin cancer screenings include:

Skin Type

Some individuals have skin types that are more prone to burning or developing skin irregularities. Those who have lighter eyes and fairer skin may find it more difficult to be exposed to the sun for extended periods.

Getting a full-body skin cancer screening is a way to alleviate stress and worry over a new mole or skin tag while learning more about them. With the help of the right dermatologist or dermatology team, maintain your peace of mind anytime you are tending to skin issues or growths, benign or not. At Tru-Skin Dermatology, we provide medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatological services for everyone. To learn more about scheduling a full-body cancer screening, get in touch with Tru-Skin today.