What I Wish More People Knew About Annual Skin Cancer Checks from a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner
Mammogram after 40? Non-negotiable for preventative breast health.
Grey roots appear? Monthly hair color, locked in.
Teeth cleaning every six months? In the dental chair without question.
Kids need their yearly physical? You're there to celebrate how tall they grew.
We prioritize maintenance for our teeth, our health screenings, and even our appearance. Yet skin, the body's largest organ, is taken for granted until something goes wrong. It's time we give it top billing because your skin isn't just what people see, it's your body's first line of defense. It regulates temperature, protects against infection, and shields your internal organs from environmental damage. It's literally the barrier keeping everything inside your body working properly.
These statistics should get your attention. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with one in five Americans developing it in their lifetime. The next most common are breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, and melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Notice anything? Skin appears twice. Yet we're vigilant about mammograms and colonoscopies while our largest organ gets overlooked.
When caught early, melanoma has a 99% five-year survival rate. Most people wait until they notice a changing mole or spot that won't heal, delaying critical early detection. Dermatology providers spot what you can't see or wouldn't recognize as abnormal.
What is the equivalent yearly maintenance for your skin? An annual skin check where we examine your whole body for cancer.
Most patients call asking, "Do you do where you check my whole body for cancer?" or "Can you scan my body for weird freckles or moles?" The answer is yes. That's exactly what an annual skin cancer screening is. Your provider examines your skin from scalp to toes, checking moles, freckles, and any suspicious spots that could indicate melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma. The process takes 20 minutes and is completely non-invasive. If any moles are concerning, a same-day biopsy is taken, and we'll discuss next steps. You'll also receive personalized recommendations for sun protection, at-home monitoring, and when to return.
And speaking of sun protection, here's another thing people get wrong: sun damage happens every season, not just summer. In spring and summer, you need broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher applied daily and reapplied every two hours when outdoors. But fall and winter? UV rays penetrate clouds and reflect off snow. SPF is essential year-round. Apply sunscreen to your face, neck, hands, and any exposed skin every single day.
Think of having your body checked for cancer like your annual mammogram or dental cleaning. It's routine maintenance that prevents bigger problems down the road. At On The Spot Dermatology in Glenview, we offer expert care for families throughout Chicago's North Shore and make every effort to see patients within 1 to 3 days. Most screenings are fully covered by insurance.
Your skin protects you every single day. Protect it back. Schedule your annual skin cancer screening today.
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