Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but it's also one of the most treatable when caught early. A routine skin cancer screening — sometimes called a mole check or full-body skin exam — is one of the simplest steps you can take to protect your health, and it takes just a few minutes at your dermatology provider's office.
Who Should Get Screened?
Dermatology providers generally recommend a full-body skin exam at least once a year, and more often for patients with certain risk factors, including:
- A personal or family history of skin cancer
- A large number of moles, or moles that are unusual in shape or color
- A history of significant sun exposure or sunburns, including years spent at the Jersey Shore or Delaware beaches
- Fair skin, light eyes, or light hair
- A weakened immune system
What to Look For: The ABCDE Rule
Between visits, it helps to know what changes are worth mentioning to your provider. Dermatologists often use the ABCDE rule to evaluate moles and spots:
- Asymmetry — one half doesn't match the other
- Border — edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred
- Color — uneven color, or multiple shades within one spot
- Diameter — larger than about 6mm (roughly the size of a pencil eraser)
- Evolving — changing in size, shape, color, or symptoms (itching, bleeding) over time
If you notice any of these signs, it's worth having it evaluated sooner rather than waiting for your next scheduled visit.
What Happens During a Skin Cancer Screening
A skin cancer screening is a quick, non-invasive visual exam of your skin from head to toe, including areas that are easy to overlook, like your scalp, ears, back, and in between fingers and toes. If your provider finds a spot that looks suspicious, the next step is usually a skin biopsy — a simple, in-office procedure where a small sample of the area is removed and sent to a lab for evaluation.
Why Early Detection Matters
When skin cancer is found early, treatment is generally simpler and more effective, and in many cases can be handled entirely in-office. Waiting on a suspicious spot — even one that isn't causing pain or discomfort — can allow it more time to grow or spread.
ClearSolutions Dermatology Group offers skin cancer screenings and mole checks at our New Jersey and Delaware locations, including Brick, East Brunswick, Manchester/Whiting, Cherry Hill, Oakhurst, and Lewes. Schedule your skin exam today, especially if it's been more than a year since your last one.
