Why Annual Skin Checks Matter (and Why Self-Exams Aren’t Enough)

May is Melanoma Awareness Month — and while sunscreen often takes the spotlight (as it should!), there’s another key player in skin cancer prevention that deserves just as much attention: your annual skin check.

While it’s great to keep an eye on your own skin, self-exams are not a replacement for a professional skin check by a board-certified dermatologist. Here’s why:

You Can’t See Everything

Even the most diligent self-exam can miss something. The back, scalp, behind the ears, and backs of the legs are common sites for melanoma — and not exactly easy to check in the mirror. A dermatologist can thoroughly examine all areas, including those you might skip or simply can’t see.

You May Not Know What to Look For

Not all skin cancers look like the textbook “ABCDE” mole. Some melanomas are colorless. Some mimic benign spots. A dermatologist has the tools to spot these subtleties that may not catch your eye — or may not seem suspicious at all.

Early Detection Saves Lives

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive skin cancers, but when caught early, it’s highly treatable. Annual skin checks help ensure that anything suspicious is identified early, biopsied if needed, and addressed quickly.

Your Skin Changes

Moles, freckles, and sunspots can evolve over time. What looked normal a year ago may not look normal now. Annual skin checks help establish a baseline and track changes year over year — something you can’t do easily on your own.

Self-Checks Still Matter — But They’re Step One

Think of self-exams as monthly maintenance, but the real safety net is your annual visit with a dermatologist.

Schedule your annual skin check. Encourage your friends and family to do the same. And yes — keep wearing your SPF!!!