The best time to start getting skin checks is any time, emphasizing the importance of regular professional skin exams.
While there isn't a specific recommended age to begin skin cancer screenings for the general population, prioritizing regular self-exams and professional checks is key throughout adulthood, and even earlier for those with increased risk factors.
Why Start Early?
- Early Detection is Crucial: Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early. Starting skin checks, both self-exams and professional screenings, early on increases the likelihood of detecting any changes or suspicious spots before they become more serious.
- Increased Awareness: Beginning skin checks at a younger age fosters a greater awareness of your skin and its normal appearance. This makes it easier to notice any new or changing moles or lesions.
- Risk Factors Matter: Individuals with certain risk factors should consider earlier and more frequent skin checks. These risk factors include:
- Family History: A personal or family history of skin cancer significantly increases your risk.
- Sun Exposure: Extensive sun exposure, sunburns (especially during childhood), and tanning bed use all contribute to higher risk.
- Fair Skin: People with fair skin, freckles, light hair, and light eyes are more susceptible to sun damage and skin cancer.
- Numerous Moles: Having many moles (more than 50) can increase your risk.
- Weakened Immune System: Individuals with compromised immune systems (e.g., organ transplant recipients) are at higher risk.
Types of Skin Checks
- Self-Exams: Perform regular self-exams (ideally monthly) to become familiar with your skin. Use a mirror to check all areas, including your back, scalp, and between your toes. Look for anything new, changing, or unusual.
- Professional Skin Exams: Schedule regular skin exams with a dermatologist or other qualified healthcare professional. They can use specialized tools and expertise to detect skin cancer that you might miss during a self-exam. The frequency of these exams will depend on your individual risk factors and your doctor's recommendations.
Recommendation:
Even without specific risk factors, it's wise to establish a baseline understanding of your skin's appearance in your 20s or 30s and discuss skin cancer screening with your primary care physician or a dermatologist. If you have any risk factors, discuss the appropriate frequency of professional skin checks with your doctor. Remember, regular checks and early detection provide the best chance for successful treatment.
