Skin Cancer Screenings
Why is an annual skin cancer screening recommended?
More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than all other cancers combined. At least one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. However, teens and young adults can also develop skin cancer. More than two people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour. 95% of the two most common types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, can be cured when detected and treated early.
Melanoma is one of the most common and dangerous cancers diagnosed in young adults, particularly women. Having five or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma. When melanoma is detected and treated early, before it spreads, it is very curable.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone undergo a yearly skin cancer screening, especially those who have a history of skin cancer, a family history of skin cancer, or have had excessive sun exposure or a history of indoor tanning.
An annual skin cancer screening is a medical examination that is recommended to check for signs of skin cancer on a yearly basis. The purpose of the screening is to identify any suspicious spots or lesions on the skin that may be indicative of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
Patients will need to wear a gown during the screening. Dr. Stees will visually inspect the entire body, including the scalp, feet, and between the toes, as skin cancer can occur in areas that are not frequently exposed to the sun.
During these full body skin exams, we will discuss and look for the 3 main forms of skin cancer – Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, or Malignant Melanoma – the most lethal of the three.
When a patient has had skin cancer or has a family history of skin cancer or excessive sun exposure, a history of sunburns or use of a tanning bed, Dr. Stees may also recommend that the patient perform a self-check of their skin monthly to identify new, changing or non-healing lesions on the skin. When concerns arise, he recommends that you contact his office to schedule an appointment where he can evaluate your concerns.
- Dr. Stees recommends that patients review the How to Spot Skin Cancer an infographic and The Body Mole Map.
Schedule a consultation
Dr. Marc Stees in a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon in Dixon, Illinois. He treats all skin conditions including skin cancer, and more importantly he treats people! He is a kind, respectful and compassionate human who will take the time to listen to your concerns. Contact Dr. Stees to schedule a consultation to address your skin concerns or to schedule an annual skin check to help prevent or diagnose skin cancer early for the best possible outcome. Dr. Stees is dedicated to your health and well-being.
At a Glance
Dr. Marc Stees
- Board-certified in Dermatology
- Fellowship-trained in Mohs Micrographic Surgery
- Local to the Dixon community
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