Anyone can develop skin cancer, regardless of skin color. The most common cause of skin cancer is from exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun and artificial tanning beds. The sun’s ultraviolet rays damage the DNA in your skin cells and lead to cell mutation and formation of malignant tumors.

The good news is that with early identification and diagnosis, skin cancer is highly treatable. If cancerous changes are detected in the early stages, treatment has a much higher likelihood of being effective. Receiving a regular skin screening with a dermatologist is an important and proactive step you can take to protect your skin and prevent cancerous growths from worsening.

Regular examinations to look for the ABCDE’s of skin cancer are especially crucial if you are at high risk due to a compromised immune system, a personal history of skin cancer, or a family history of skin cancer.

Areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun are more prone to develop moles or certain growths, and because of this, it’s very important to have an experienced dermatologist or licensed medical professional conduct a yearly body analysis to check all areas of your body, including your scalp, neck, and back. During this time, your dermatologist can go over pertinent medical history with you, check for any changes, and recommend the best treatment options for a bright future.