Each year, there are more than 3 million cases of skin cancer in the United States alone. The rate of skin cancer has increased so quickly, that more than half of all new cancers found every year are skin cancers. While this may be a shocking and even scary statistic, there are many things you can do to prevent and detect skin cancer with regular checkups at your dermatologist.  Here are just a few reasons to schedule your Fall skin cancer check at Skin Cancer Specialists, PC & Aesthetic Center!

1. Prevention: During a skin care check, you will have the opportunity to learn about proper prevention strategies to reduce your chances of getting skin cancer. Some of these include:

• Minimizing direct exposure to UV light
• Wearing protective hats and clothing during peak UV hours
• Using a reliable sunscreen
• Avoiding tanning beds
• Monthly self-checks
• Regular skin checks

2. Early Detection: Identifying problems areas is the most important part of detecting skin cancer early on! Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are two types of cancers that can be cured with early detection and treatment.
3. Better Treatment: When cancers or atypical cells are found early, there is a much higher rate of curability. While melanoma is a much more serious type of skin cancer due to its aggressive growth, this type of cancer can also be cured if found early.
4. Hidden Areas: There are a lot of spots on your body that can be hard for you to check on your own, including your scalp, behind your ears, and your back, to name a few. By scheduling a skin care check, you can rest assured that all parts of your skin are looked at, and any problem areas are made note of.

Skin Cancer Specialists, P. C. & Aesthetic Center proudly serves patients in the Marietta and surrounding Atlanta areas! To learn more about skin care checks, or to schedule your consultation at Skin Cancer Specialists, P. C. & Aesthetic Center, please fill out the form on this page or call (770) 422-5557 for Marietta, (770)-941-1013 for Austell, (707)-502-0202 for Newnan, and (770)-606-8026 for Cartersville.

Quick – what’s the one thing you can do right now that will improve your odds of living a long and healthy life?

Forget drinking a kale smoothie or logging hours on the treadmill.  One of the best ways to make sure you enjoy a long life is to check yourself for signs of skin cancer.

Unfortunately, skin cancer is on the rise, with deadly melanoma being one of the most diagnosed cancers in younger people (particularly women) under the age of 30.  Given all we know about sunscreen and keeping safe under the summer sun, it’s more important than ever to educate yourself on the signs of skin cancer.

Fortunately, it’s incredibly easy to perform your own skin cancer check – all you need is a hand mirror, a bathroom mirror, and a few minutes of your time!

• Start by examining your face. Check for moles, pink lesions, and freckles that may have changed in size and appearance.  Check the front of your neck as well.

• Turn your back to the bathroom mirror and hold your hand mirror to your face. Examine the back of your neck in the bathroom mirror, as well as your back. 

• Examine your chest, arms, and stomach for the same unusual lesions, moles, and bumps.

• Use the hand mirror to examine the backs of your legs. Check the front of your legs as well.

• Check your feet, as well as the soles of your feet and between your toes.

It’s important to do this skin cancer check at least every six months, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.  At this frequency, you can stay vigilant for signs of skin cancer.

If you spot any dark or oddly colored moles, pink lesions, or bumps that look like pimples, you should schedule a consultation with a dermatologist or skin cancer specialist right away.

Contact Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. and Aesthetic Center to schedule your skin cancer consultation. With seven offices located in the Atlanta metro area, you’ll be able to visit a Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. near you!