
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
