May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

SKIN CANCER SCREENINGS SAVES LIVES

Skin Cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Over the past thirty years, more people have been diagnosed with skin cancer than all other cancers combined. In the U.S. alone, 9,500 people a day are diagnosed with skin cancer, and one in five will develop a form of skin cancer in their lifetime.

Fortunately, skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer and it is highly treatable when detected early. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (aad.org), melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, has a 98% survival rate when detected and treated early.

The best way to detect skin cancer is to regularly inspect your skin and those you love for changes in moles. Our board-certified dermatologists can help you determine if you are at risk, and will biopsy moles that look suspicious. If the lab results are positive and it is a form of skin cancer, the physicians will perform surgery in our accredited office space. Dermasurgeon and medical director, Dr. Eric Finzi, specializes in MOHs micrographic surgery, and he is skilled in closures that are aesthetically pleasing.

It’s a good idea to schedule an appointment now, and be sure to cover up and slather up with sunscreen this summer. Stay in the shade and try to avoid too much sun exposure this summer.

Make an appointment today for your annual skin cancer screening! Most health insurers cover the exam so no excuses!

The Board-Certified Dermatologists at the Chevy Chase Cosmetic Center offer full body skin cancer screenings from our offices in Chevy Chase and Greenbelt, Maryland. Don’t wait, contact us TODAY to set up an appointment.

Types of Skin Cancer

• Actinic Keratosis (AK)
  Actinic Keratosis is a skin condition caused by exposure to UV radiation. AK is believed to be an early form of squamous cell carcinoma.
• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
  Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form, accounting for 90% of all skin cancers. BCC begins in the basal cells at the bottom of the epidermis. Although BCC is common, it is the most treatable form of skin cancer.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
  Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. SCC begins in the epidermis but can spread to underlying tissue and other parts of the body if not treated promptly.
• Malignant Melanoma
  Malignant Melanoma is the most aggressive and life-threatening type of skin cancer. Melanoma can be cured if diagnosed and treated early. See the chart below to learn more about Melanoma.

Full Body Skin Cancer Screenings Saves Lives

Skin cancer is highly treatable when detected early. This is why it’s so important to inspect your skin regularly. Any skin changes such as irregular moles, spots and growths should be reported to our dermatology team. If possible, have someone else inspect areas of your body that are difficult to see.

In addition to monthly self-checks it’s a good idea to have a board-certified dermatologist perform an annual full body skin cancer screening. An experienced medical professional can help you spot the warning signs of skin cancer and teach you the proper way to perform a self-exam. These visits can be extremely useful in identifying individuals with an increased risk of developing skin cancer.

To learn much more about Skin Cancer, visit the American Academy of Dermatology website, the resource for the graphics and facts in this blog post. AAD.org