Did you know that Skin Cancer Check is the most prevalent form of cancer in the United States? Every day, about 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with some form of skin cancer, and more than 4 million Americans are affected by all skin cancers each year.
Start the new year right by protecting the skin you’re in with a skin check. Annual skin screenings can help prevent issues from developing and catch skin cancer early, preventing it from spreading and making treatment faster and easier.
At SkinMD located in the Greater Chicago area, our experienced skin experts know the new year is a perfect time to start protecting your skin. With four convenient locations in Chicago, Orland Park, Skokie, and Evergreen Park, Illinois, excellent skin care is never far away.
Read on to learn more about annual skin checks and how they can help you protect your skin in the new year and beyond.
Are skin checks important to my health?
It can be hard to know the difference between a simple mole or freckle and the early stages of skin cancer. At SkinMD, your skincare expert evaluates your entire body for signs of skin cancer and asks questions about your health history and lifestyle.
An annual skin check could mean the difference between catching skin cancer early when it’s highly treatable and not catching it soon enough. With early detection, 99% of people diagnosed survive.
No one knows your body as you do, so be sure to share any changes you’ve noticed in your skin or any concerns you may have.
Who benefits from an annual skin check?
Every person benefits from a yearly skin check. Skin cancers strike regardless of skin tone or color. In fact, people of color aren’t typically diagnosed with skin cancer until it’s already in the later stages and more difficult to treat.
Some people, however, have a higher risk of developing skin cancer. You may be from more frequent skin checks if you have:
- Blonde or red hair
- Light-colored eyes
- Light skin or skin that sunburns or freckles easily
- Unusual or irregular moles
- A large number of moles (>50)
- A history of sunburns, especially with blisters
- Family history of melanoma
- A history of using tanning beds or machines
Your SkinMD care provider may also recommend more frequent exams if your work or hobbies mean you spend more time in the sun than average.
Ready to protect your skin with a skin check?
The new year is the right time to protect the skin you’re in with a Skin Check. Don’t wait to schedule a consultation with our knowledgeable team. Contact the office location most convenient for you, or request an appointment online now!
