How Often Should You Get a Skin Cancer Screening?
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but it is also one of the most preventable and treatable—when detected early. Knowing how often to schedule a professional skin cancer screening can make a life-saving difference.
At Advanced Dermatology, Mohs & Laser Surgery Center in New Jersey, our board-certified dermatologists emphasize early detection, patient education, and personalized screening schedules based on individual risk.
What Is a Skin Cancer Screening?
A skin cancer screening is a full-body skin exam performed by a dermatologist to evaluate moles, lesions, and other skin changes that may indicate skin cancer, including:
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Basal cell carcinoma
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Squamous cell carcinoma
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Melanoma
During the exam, your dermatologist looks for asymmetry, irregular borders, color variation, size changes, and evolving lesions—often referred to as the ABCDEs of melanoma.
How Often Should You Get Screened?
Most adults should have a professional skin cancer screening once or twice a year. Annual exams are usually sufficient for individuals who:
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Have no personal or family history of skin cancer
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Do not have a large number of atypical moles
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Have limited sun exposure history
For Higher-Risk Patients
You may need screenings every 6 months or more frequently if you:
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Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
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Have many moles or atypical (dysplastic) moles
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Have fair skin, light eyes, or red/blond hair
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Have a history of sunburns or tanning bed use
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Are immunocompromised
Your dermatologist will recommend a personalized screening schedule based on your risk factors.
Signs You Should See a Dermatologist Sooner
Do not wait for your annual visit if you notice:
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A new mole or growth
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A mole that changes in size, shape, or color
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A lesion that bleeds, crusts, or does not heal
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Persistent itching or tenderness in a mole
Early evaluation is critical—especially for melanoma.
Why Early Detection Matters
When detected early:
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Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are highly treatable
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Melanoma survival rates exceed 99% when caught before spreading
Advanced treatment options, including Mohs surgery, allow for precise removal of cancerous tissue while preserving healthy skin.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
A typical skin cancer screening:
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Takes 10–20 minutes
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Is painless and noninvasive
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Includes a head-to-toe skin evaluation
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May include biopsy of suspicious lesions if needed
Your dermatologist will also educate you on how to perform monthly self-skin exams at home.
Schedule a Skin Cancer Screening in New Jersey
If you are due for a skin cancer screening—or have noticed a concerning change in your skin—early evaluation is key. We offer skin checks at our practices in Westfield, New Jersey and Morristown, New Jersey.
Advanced Dermatology, Mohs & Laser Surgery Center provides comprehensive skin cancer detection and treatment for patients throughout New Jersey. Our experienced dermatology team offers individualized care using the most advanced diagnostic and surgical techniques available.
Schedule your annual skin exam today and take an important step toward protecting your skin health.