Do you need routine full-body skin cancer screenings?
Regular screenings are essential for the early detection and treatment of a variety of cancers.
Yet, a recent study by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) suggests there is not enough evidence to prove that full body skin cancer screenings help reduce the number of deaths from melanoma, which account for 75 percent of skin cancer deaths. The study also suggests the benefits of full skin screenings may not outweigh some of the byproducts of testing such as scarring, further skin damage and inaccurate diagnoses.
Dr. Vik Khanna, dermatologist at Advocate Sherman Hospital, disagrees with these recommendations.
“The results of the study are not wrong, per se,” says Dr. Khanna. “However, the USPSTF makes screening recommendations for the whole population, not individuals, and this can be confusing for the average person.”
Dr. Khanna says those with a family history of skin cancer, sun burns, tanning bed use or a fair complexion may have a higher risk for melanoma and should be screened regularly. In addition, anyone who notices changes in the size or color of a mole should see their primary care doctor or a dermatologist right away.
“Skin cancers are almost always treatable when caught early, yet if caught late, can cause pain, disfigurement, bleeding and death,” says Dr. Khanna. “While a full body examination might not be cost effective across an entire population, it can still be life-saving for an individual.”
According to the Centers of Disease Control, skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, with melanoma being the most deadly. The most common skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma, which rarely spreads and is unlikely to be fatal. Melanoma is less common, but much more likely to spread throughout the body and lead to death.
“It is essential to detect melanoma early, because the deeper the tumor grows, the worse the prognosis,” says Dr. Khanna. “Of course, protecting yourself from developing skin cancer in the first place by taking proper precautions is key.”
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends the following guidelines to prevent skin cancer:
- Seek the shade, especially between 10am and 4pm to avoid getting burned.
- Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
- Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) SPF 15 or higher sunscreen daily and a water-resistant, UVA/UVB SPF 30 or higher sunscreen for outdoor activities.
- Apply 2 tablespoons of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
- Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
- Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
- Ask your physician to include a skin exam as part of your annual physical.
About the Author
Jennifer Benson, health enews contributor, is coordinator of public affairs for Advocate Aurora Health’s Provider, APC, and Nursing Communications team. She has 10+ years of community development and communication experience for non-profits in the Fox Valley area in Illinois. Outside of work you can find her planning the next adventure near water or rocks, re-organizing spaces, entertaining a needy cat, defaulting to curry or taco dinners, making healthy happen in all aspects of life, and growing green things wherever she can find room.