How often do you need a skin cancer screening? Here are some warning signs that mean you shouldn’t wait.
If you’ve ever wondered whether “once a year” is really the right cadence for a skin cancer screening, you’re asking a good question. The honest answer is that it depends — on your skin type, your history, and a few other risk factors. Here’s how to figure out what’s right for you.
What a Skin Cancer Screening Involves
A skin cancer screening is a full-body visual exam performed by a dermatology provider that checks the skin from scalp to soles for anything that looks new, unusual, or changed. Providers are trained to spot subtle signs that are easy to miss on a self-exam, including changes in moles, new growths, and irregular patches that might not seem concerning to an untrained eye. The exam is quick, non-invasive, and typically takes only a few minutes unless something warrants a closer look.
The General Guideline for Average-Risk Adults
For most adults with no major risk factors, an annual skin cancer screening is a reasonable baseline. This gives a provider a consistent point of comparison year over year, which makes it easier to catch subtle changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Who Might Need to Be Screened More Often
An annual visit isn’t the right fit for everyone. You may benefit from more frequent screenings, sometimes every three to six months, if any of the following apply to you:
- You have fair skin, light eyes, or a history of sunburns
- You’ve had significant sun exposure over the years, whether from outdoor work, tanning, or growing up in a sunny climate
- You have a personal history of skin cancer, including basal cell, squamous cell, or melanoma
- You have a family history of melanoma or other skin cancers
- You have a large number of moles, or moles that are irregular in shape or color
- You have a weakened immune system, whether from a medical condition or certain medications
- Your job involves regular outdoor sun exposure
If more than one of these applies to you, discuss a personalized schedule with your provider rather than defaulting to once a year.
What Happens Between Screenings: Self-Exams Matter Too
Even with regular professional screenings, monthly at-home self-exams help you notice changes early. The ABCDE rule is a helpful way to evaluate any mole or spot:
- Asymmetry — one half doesn’t match the other
- Border — edges are irregular, blurred, or notched
- Color — uneven color or multiple shades within one spot
- Diameter — larger than about a quarter inch, though melanomas can be smaller
- Evolving — any change in size, shape, color, or symptoms like itching or bleeding
A self-exam isn’t a substitute for a professional evaluation, but it’s a useful way to know when something can’t wait until your next scheduled visit.
Don’t Wait for The “Due Date” If Something Changes
No matter when your last screening was, a new or changing spot is worth checking sooner rather than later. Signs to watch for between visits include a mole that’s changed in size, shape, or color; a sore that doesn’t heal; a spot that itches or bleeds; or a new growth that looks different from everything else on your skin. Early evaluation gives your provider the best chance to address a concern while it’s most manageable.
If Something Needs a Closer Look
Most spots turn out to be harmless, but if a screening identifies something that needs a biopsy or removal, our team will walk you through the next steps. For confirmed skin cancers, especially on the face and other cosmetically sensitive areas, Mohs micrographic surgery is often the most precise treatment option, removing the cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Finding the Right Schedule for You
No single answer fits every patient, which is why a conversation with your provider matters. Dr. Brandon T. Beal is double board-certified and fellowship-trained, and our team can help you figure out a screening schedule based on your skin, your history, and your risk factors, whether that’s annual or more frequent.
Consider Contacting St. Louis Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
If it’s been a while since your last skin check, or you’ve never had one, scheduling a screening is a simple first step. To contact us today, fill out our online contact form or call (314) 834-1400.