The start of a new year is an ideal time to schedule a skin cancer screening in Marietta, GA.
With more than three million cases of skin cancer in the U.S. each year, a skin cancer screening aids in early detection and treatment.
As such, it is one of the best ways to protect yourself non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers.
Continue reading to learn about the causes of skin cancer and benefits of an annual screening.
What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer occurs when damaged and unrepaired DNA causes abnormal cells to grow alongside healthy skin cells.
What Causes Skin Cancer?
In most cases, skin cancer is the result of exposure to the sun’s harmful rays and UV damage to skin.
Individuals with fair skin and a family history of skin cancer are also more susceptible to developing skin cancer. In addition, a person’s risk for skin cancer increases with age.
Why Schedule a Skin Cancer Screening in Marietta, GA?
There are a number of benefits to scheduling a skin cancer screening in Marietta, GA.
Most notably, it allows early diagnosis and enables physicians to address skin cancer when it’s highly treatable.
It also helps to prevent cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.
How Often Should Patients Have a Skin Cancer Screening?
It’s recommended that individuals see their dermatologist once a year for a skin cancer screening.
This visual examination allows your doctor to evaluate any changing or new growths and perform a biopsy when indicated.
How to Protect Yourself from Skin Cancer?
In addition to undergoing a skin cancer screening, women and men can take steps to prevent skin cancer.
To start, they should perform monthly self-exams to assess the skin for any suspicious lesions.
It’s also important to apply a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, with at least a 30 SPF, and wear protective clothing and hats.
In addition, individuals should take care to stay indoors between 10 am – 4 pm when the sun and UV rays are most powerful.
Learn More
To learn more about skin cancer or to schedule a skin cancer screening in Marietta, GA, please call our office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Johnathan L. Chappell.
