May is Melanoma Awareness Month and presents a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness of not just melanoma, but all forms of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. The good news is that skin cancer is highly treatable when detected early enough; therefore, the importance of annual skin checks cannot be overemphasized.
What Is a Skin Check?
A skin check (also called a “skin cancer screening” or “full body exam”) helps doctors find cancer early before symptoms appear. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found in time, it’s often easier to treat or cure. When you come in for a skin check with Dr. Naomi Brooks, she will fully examine your skin. If she finds a suspicious lesion on the skin, a biopsy will be performed to test for cancer.
What Is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that arises when melanocytes, which are the cells that give the skin its tan or brown color, start to grow out of control. Melanoma most commonly shows up as a new spot on the skin or occurs from a pre-existing nevus or mole that changes in shape, size or color. It is usually treatable when it’s found early enough, but can metastasize if not detected. The maxim, “early detection, early cure,” is extremely relevant to skin cancer and melanoma in particular, which is why annual skin checks are so very important.
What Is a Good Skin Check Strategy?
If you haven’t already, the first thing to do is request an appointment with Dr. Brooks online or give us a call at (208) 888-0660. Dr. Brooks is a board-certified dermatologist with over 17 years of experience; she can give you a thorough skin check and request testing for anything out of the ordinary.
To make the most of your visit, be sure to prepare properly for your skin check to partner most effectively with Dr. Brooks.
- Keep a diary to record any changes in moles or lesions you notice, and bring it to your skin check appointment.
- Jot down any questions or concerns, so you remember to discuss them with Dr. Brooks.
- Remove any makeup, jewelry, nail polish from fingernails and toenails, and keep your hair loose for your appointment to provide a full view of your skin and scalp.
Schedule an appointment with Boise Dermatology & Medspa
When it comes to skin cancer and the importance of skin checks, remember “early detection, early cure.” Request an appointment for a skin cancer check with Dr. Brooks by contacting Boise Dermatology & Medspa online or by phone at (208) 888-0660.