Most of us know that more sun exposure means higher risk for skin cancer, right? Well, there are also other, more specific factors that can also contribute to skin cancer. 

• Fair skin (rarely tans but burns easily)
• History of bad sunburns as a child and teenager
• Family history of skin cancer
• Lots of moles and growths on body

If you are prone to sunburns and/or have a family history of skin cancer, then the latest I would recommend seeing a Dermatologist is at age 30.  

The risk of skin cancer decreases if you’re on the opposite end of the spectrum.

• Olive toned skin (rarely burns but tans easily)
• Avoids extended sun exposure now and as a child and teenager
• No family history of skin cancer
• Little to no moles or growths on body

The most important rule when it comes to skin cancer prevention is to ALWAYS have a suspicious mole or growth evaluated by a dermatologist. 

And remember your ABCDEs when doing self-evaluation for what is suspicious:

A - asymmetry (put an imaginary line in the middle of the mole or spot, the two sides should match, if not it is asymmetric)

B - border (should be smooth and not jagged)

C - color (should be uniform and even)

D - diameter (should be smaller than a pencil eraser)

E - evolution (watch out for any symptoms like itching, burning, and especially bleeding)

I hope this  helps to serve as a reminder to begin getting annual skin exams and regularly examine your moles and skin growths. You may end up saving your life.

Dr. Tess Mauricio is a Board-Certified Dermatologist. She is a graduate from Stanford University School of Medicine and is the founder of M Beauty Clinic by Dr. Tess. She currently has three clinics: Miramar, Chula Vista, and Beverly Hills. Dr. Tess grew up in San Diego and is a long time Scripps Ranch resident.

M Beauty Clinic by Dr. Tess
9888 Carroll Centre Rd., Ste. 101
San Diego, CA 92126
(858) 689-4990
www.mbeautyclinic.com