HOUSTON – Houstonians are at high risk for skin cancer simply because we are exposed to the sun year-round.
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With more than five million Americans diagnosed with skin cancer each year, experts emphasize that early detection is crucial.
The Key Message from Doctors
The message from doctors is clear: when it comes to skin cancer, prevention and early detection are key.
Dr. Camila Antia from The Skin People states that everyone is at risk, regardless of age or skin tone.
“Everybody can get skin cancer. So sometimes people get fooled that if they have a little darker skin type, then they’re safe; and that’s not completely true. Everybody has a risk of skin cancer,” Dr. Antia said.
The Screening Process
A typical screening in a dermatologist’s office takes about ten minutes and could save your life.
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During the exam, doctors use specialized tools to look for concerning spots.
“We go in with our handy dermatoscope. This is kind of like a magnifying glass, and it helps us determine if a spot needs to be biopsied or not. So it actually decreases the number of times we have to do biopsies,” Dr. Antia explained.
New Tools for Risk Assessment
Even without going under the microscope, there’s a new tool to help assess your cancer risk.
The American Cancer Society has launched Cancer360, an online assessment that takes just seven minutes to complete.
“It asks for a couple demographic, like your age, your gender, and then it goes by risk factors and by your lifestyle, because there’s some stuff that we can control about skin cancer or cancer in general,” Antia said.
Professional Screening is Essential
While the online tool is helpful, Dr. Antia emphasizes that it’s not a replacement for professional screening.
“You still have to come to a dermatologist anyways because it doesn’t really assess your chances of, like, a specific mole turning into cancer or a spot turning into a cancer,” she said.
Recommendations for Skin Checks
Doctors recommend annual skin checks for most people, but those with higher risk factors—like previous cancer diagnoses, a history of tanning, or people with blue eyes—may need more frequent screenings.
In conclusion, staying informed and proactive about skin health can make a significant difference in early detection and treatment of skin cancer.
