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Importance

Detect Early, Treat Effectively

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., with more than 3.5 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer and over 200,000 melanomas diagnosed each year. Early detection is crucial: for melanoma, the five-year survival rate reaches nearly 99% when found early. Skin cancer screenings can literally be life-saving as they help catch these cancers when treatment is much simpler and more effective

Detect Early, Treat Effectively

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., with more than 3.5 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer and over 200,000 melanomas diagnosed each year. Early detection is crucial: for melanoma, the five-year survival rate reaches nearly 99% when found early. Skin cancer screenings can literally be life-saving they help catch these cancers when treatment is much simpler and more effective

Why Regular Exams Matter

Subtle signs hidden in plain sight

Many early skin cancers appear as small, innocuous spots flat patches, scaly lesions, or color changes in moles. Trained dermatologists use tools like dermatoscopes to detect signs invisible to the naked eye, improving melanoma detection by up to 20%.

Catch pre-cancers before they spread

Damage from UV exposure can lead to actinic keratoses pre-cancerous lesions that, if untreated, may progress to squamous cell carcinoma.

Tailored screening schedules

While annual full-body exams are recommended for most adults, higher-risk individuals those with fair skin, many moles, family history, or prior skin cancer should get screened every 3–12 months.

Self Exams: Your First Line of Defense

Conduct monthly self-checks using the ABCDE rule: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter > 6 mm, and Evolving moles are all warning signs.

Dermatologists advise patients to examine hard-to-see spots such as back, scalp, hands, feet between professional visits

Professional Evaluation

Comprehensive & Precise

Review your personal and family skin cancer history.

Perform a full-body examination, using magnification and dermoscopy.

Document moles with dermatoscopes or photos for future comparison.

Perform biopsy of any suspicious areas for definitive diagnosis.

Early Detection = Less Aggressive Treatment

When skin cancer is caught early:

  • Safer, less invasive treatments – you can avoid chemotherapy or radiation.
  • The emotional and financial burden is significantly lower.
  • Melanoma becomes much less lethal because survival plummets if detection is delayed.

Who Should Be Screened?

Everyone. No one is immune skin cancer can affect all skin types, and when it’s diagnosed late in skin of color, outcomes are worse. Higher-risk groups should consider more frequent exams: Fair skin, > 50 moles, family/personal history of skin cancer, prior sunburns, tanning bed use, immunosuppression, or occupational sun exposure.

Empower Your Skin Health

  • Schedule your baseline exam ideally in your 20s or 30s and discuss a plan that fits your risk profile.
  • Learn self exam techniques, including how to use mirrors, check hidden areas, and spot ABCDE signs.
  • Use of UV protection like daily sunscreen, hats, clothing and shade aren’t just empty recommendations, they are preventative medicine.

At Paragon Skin & Surgery,
We Prioritize Early Detection

Our mission is to identify skin cancers early when they are most treatable. Regular screenings not only preserve health but also empower patients with peace of mind. If you spot anything new, changing, or concerning, don’t wait schedule an exam today.

Schedule an Exam Today