It is recommended that individuals receive a skin cancer screening starting at age 20, and continue to receive annual screenings thereafter. However, individuals with a family history of skin cancer or a personal history of skin cancer or other risk factors may need to start screening at an earlier age.
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Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, with more than 5 million cases diagnosed in the United States each year. As with any type of cancer, early detection is key to successfully treating and managing the disease. This is why regular skin cancer screenings are so important.
It is recommended that individuals receive a skin cancer screening starting at age 20 and continue to receive annual screenings thereafter. However, it is important to note that individuals with a family history of skin cancer or a personal history of skin cancer or other risk factors may need to start screening at an earlier age.
According to the American Cancer Society, risk factors for skin cancer include:
- History of blistering sunburns
- Fair skin, freckling, light hair color, and light eye color
- Having moles, especially large or irregularly shaped ones
- Family history of skin cancer
- Personal history of skin cancer
- Overexposure to natural or artificial sunlight
- Immune system weakness
It’s also important to note that skin cancer can occur in all skin tones, not just fair skin. Additionally, individuals who have been diagnosed with certain genetic disorders, such as xeroderma pigmentosum, are at an increased risk for developing skin cancer.
Guarding against skin cancer starts with protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade whenever possible. Even cloudy days and winter months can have harmful UV rays, and tanning beds pose a risk as well.
A table of the three most common types of skin cancer, along with their characteristics and risk factors, can be found below:
| Type of Skin Cancer | Characteristics | Risk Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Basal cell carcinoma | Most common type of skin cancer | Fair skin, history of sunburns, prolonged sun exposure, exposure to artificial UV rays |
| Squamous cell carcinoma | Second most common type of skin cancer | Fair skin, history of sunburns, prolonged sun exposure, exposure to artificial UV rays, weakened immune system |
| Melanoma | Most deadly type of skin cancer | History of sunburns, freckles, moles, fair skin, family history of skin cancer, weakened immune system |
In the words of Dr. Howard Murad, “There are two things that are most important in any kind of skin care prevention program. One is to educate yourself about the potential risks and benefits of what you use, and the other is to have a dermatologist whom you trust check you at least once a year.” By staying educated and getting regular skin cancer screenings, individuals can increase their chances of catching any potential skin cancer early and successfully managing or treating it.
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Dr. Hugh Greenway from Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center and Scripps Clinic advises San Diego residents to have a complete skin examination by their dermatologist, internist, or family physician at least once a year. He stresses the importance of regular sun protective measures and warns against delaying medical appointments due to COVID-19. Dr. Greenway reports a nine percent increase in melanoma cases last year, and urges people to seek medical attention promptly, as early detection is key to successful treatment. He emphasizes that early diagnosis of skin cancer is essential, as it significantly increases the chances of a positive outcome.
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In general, you should start getting screened for skin cancer in your 20s or 30s. However, if you’re in the sun a lot, have a family history of skin cancer, or have moles, you should be checked sooner.
There is no set age for regular skin checks to begin or how often they should occur. Some medical experts recommend checking your own skin regularly starting at age 18, as skin cancer is very common and people of all skin colors can get it. However, melanoma in people younger than 30 is rare but does happen.
Some medical experts recommend checking your own skin regularly starting at age 18. That’s because skin cancer is very common, and people of all skin colors can get it. A skin cancer screening with your provider or with a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin disorders) may be important if you:
There is no set age for regular skin checks to begin or how often they should occur, said Jenny Nelson, MD, a dermatologist with Avera Medical Group Dermatology Sioux Falls. “I’ve had 20-year-olds who’ve had scary moles,” Nelson said. “There is no universal age. Melanoma in people younger than 30 is rare but does happen.
Several medical organizations recommend having your first skin cancer screening at the age of 20 or older. Then you should have yearly professional exams and perform monthly self-skin exams.