Did you know that May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month?

With over 3.5 million diagnoses per year, skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States alone.  Fortunately, skin cancer is also preventable and, when detected early, highly treatable.  That’s why it’s vital for everyone to undergo annual skin cancer screenings at their local dermatologist.

This reasoning is especially true in California, where sunshine and outdoor activity go hand-in-hand.  Even the most diligent sunscreen routine could lapse in the face of a lazy day on the beach or drinks at an outdoor patio.  Every case of unprotected exposure to the sun ups your odds of getting skin cancer, which is why annual screenings are so vital to protecting your health.

Want a few other reasons why you should be diligent about getting an annual skin cancer screening?  Take a look:

  • It can be pretty easy to see if a mole or patch of skin has changed color or shape on noticeable parts of your body. But what about hard-to-see places, like the back of your neck or behind your knees?  An annual skin cancer screening can help you stay on top of hard-to-see areas, as a dermatologist will note and track any skin irregularities in these areas.
  • Sometimes it can be tough to tell if a mole or freckle should be a source of alarm. That’s why calling on the expertise of a dermatologist can be so helpful.  A dermatologist or skin cancer expert can let you know which skin irregularities you need to keep an eye on, and which ones aren’t cause for worry.
  • Skin cancer screenings often include mole and lesion testing. If you’re not sure if a mole should be a source for worry, your dermatologist can send a piece of the mole off for testing.

Don’t leave your health and well-being up to chance.  In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, schedule your annual skin cancer screening at Laser Skin Care Center in Long Beach, CA! Call (562) 997-1144 today!