Skin cancer screening is a quick check-up that can find skin cancer before symptoms occur. If found early, skin cancer is usually curable. But many don’t know what to do or how to get ready for the visit. Here in this blog, we’ll take you step-by-step through how to prepare for skin screening in a simple way with useful tips and information you can count on.
What Is Skin Cancer Screening?
Screening for skin cancer is an examination from head to toe by a doctor or dermatologist. They examine spots, moles, or marks that can be a sign of cancer. It takes only 10 to 20 minutes. If they find a suspicious mark, the doctor may take a small sample (called a biopsy) for more testing.
Why Preparation Matters
Coming prepared enables the doctor to accomplish more. It also increases your comfort and confidence. Several simple actions before your screening can make a significant difference in how smooth and efficient your appointment is.
1. Stay Away from Makeup and Nail Polish
On the day of your visit, avoid applying makeup, particularly foundation, concealer, or anything that covers your skin. These cosmetics conceal tiny spots, rashes, or color change the physician should notice.
Avoid nail polish as well. Skin cancer can occur under or around your nails, and polish makes it difficult to examine those areas clearly.
2. Dress in Loose, Comfortable Clothing
You might need to undress down to your underwear for a full body examination, so wear something that is simple to get off and put back on. Some clinics give a gown, but others don’t. Loose-fitting clothing keeps the appointment simple and stress-free.
3. Remove Accessories
Remove watches, rings, earrings, and other jewelry prior to the appointment. Jewelry may conceal small marks or imperfections, particularly in regions such as your neck, ears, and fingers.
4. Do Not Use Heavy Lotions or Oils
Avoid applying heavy body lotion, oil, or cream on the day of screening. They make your skin look shiny and harder for the doctor to see certain features clearly. Employ a clean and dry skin surface instead.
5. List Spots or Changes
Notice any moles, freckles, or skin patches that have altered color, size, or shape. If it is itching, bleeding, or otherwise doesn’t feel quite right, write it down or take a photo of it. Mention it to your doctor at screening time, even if it’s tiny.
It is particularly useful because you can’t necessarily pick up on all the changes in a fleeting examination. You’re more familiar with your body, and your opinion counts.
6. Check Your Family History
Certain forms of skin cancer are hereditary. If you have a family member with skin cancer, inform your doctor. This will enable your doctor to determine your risk level and how often you should undergo screening.
7. Remove Wigs or Hairpieces
You might be asked to remove your wig, hat, or headscarf for a short period of time if you wear one. Skin cancer can develop on the scalp, and usually, it goes unnoticed. Your head is being scanned as part of a full-body exam, so keep the area uncovered.
8. Don’t Shave or Groom
Don’t worry about being hairy or shaving.
You shouldn’t shave your legs or shave body hair prior to a screening. Dermatologists are skilled at examining hairy skin and know how to work around it. Grooming takes a back seat to comfort for this visit.
9. Expect to Answer Questions
Your physician will have the following questions:
- When did you have your last skin check?
- Did you ever get sunburned, particularly blistering sunburns?
- Do you use sunscreen consistently?
- Do you use tanning beds?
- Have you noticed any change in your skin lately?
Answer honesty. The doctor wants to know so he can understand your risk and what to watch out for.
10. Relax: It’s Quick and Painless
There are no equipment, needles, or frightening tests with a skin screening. It’s simply a close-up examination of your skin with the naked eye or with a small handheld device known as a dermatoscope. Most individuals have no difficulty and don’t even notice the time it takes.
What Happens Next?
If everything goes okay, you will be informed when to return for your follow-up check-up. Should the doctor find anything suspicious, they can ask you to return for a biopsy. That is when they numb an area and take a small piece of skin to send in to have it tested in the laboratory. Results are usually returned within a week or two.
When Do You Need to Get Screened?
There is no one-size-fits-all advice, but here are some general rules:
- Every 12 months for those with a history of sunburns or tanning bed use
- Every 6 to 12 months if you have skin cancer history
- Earlier if you find a new or changing mole
Even if you don’t fit into one of these groups, it’s a good idea to have a baseline physical once during your adult years.
Bottom Line
Preparing for a skin screening is easy. Keep your skin clean, skip makeup and lotions, wear loose clothes, and make a note of any changes you’ve seen. A little planning can help your doctor catch any early signs of trouble and keep your skin healthy for years to come. The screening takes only a few minutes, but its impact can last a lifetime.
