When to Screen for Skin Cancer

When to Screen for Skin Cancer

Everyone needs to have concerns about skin cancer. In Staten Island, Linden, and Point Pleasant Beach, NY, Dr. Patricia McCormack is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 30 years' experience and she offers the skin cancer screenings that you are looking for.

In the same way as you get your yearly physical, eye exam and dental check-ups, you need to get your skin cancer screening. Your skin is an organ and it is the biggest one you have. If you have ever had a sunburn, you have damaged your skin and making sure that you are not suffering from skin cancer is important to your overall health.

About Skin Cancer

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States? Skin cancer is on the rise and more than 9,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. As many as 20%of all adults will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Skin cancer can affect anyone, no matter what their skin tone. Under 50 years of age, more women have skin cancer; over 50 it is men. The majority of people who die from skin cancer die from melanoma. 

Who should screen for skin cancer?

Certain risk factors make it more likely that you will get skin cancer, though literally everyone is in danger. The major risk factors are:

  • Being a blond or a redhead
  • Having light skin
  • Blue or green eyes
  • Freckles or skin that burns easily
  • More than 5 blistering sunburns
  • Family history of skin cancer
  • Lots of sun exposure
  • Tendency to develop moles

If you have one or more of these risks for skin cancer in Staten Island, Linden, and Point Pleasant Beach, NY  you need to talk to your dermatologist about the necessity of getting on a regular schedule of skin cancer screening. You should also do a self-examination so that if you see anything that looks wrong you can get in to see your doctor as soon as possible. A skin cancer screening is not a diagnosis, you will need to have a biopsy to check if cancer is present. 

The ABCDE of Skin Cancer

  • Asymmetry: both halves are different
  • Border:  irregular border
  • Color: uneven color
  • Diameter:  larger than a pea
  • Evolving: the mole or freckle has changed

If you are seeing these things on your skin, don't waste time, see your dermatologist.

Dr. McCormack provides the screening for skin cancer in Staten Island, Linden, and Point Pleasant Beach, NY that you require. Contact us at our office in Staten Island, at (718) 698-1616, Linden at (908) 925-8877 and Point Pleasant Beach at (732) 295-1331 to set up your appointment today.


This website includes materials that are protected by copyright, or other proprietary rights. Transmission or reproduction of protected items beyond that allowed by fair use, as defined in the copyright laws, requires the written permission of the copyright owners.

Our Locations

Office Hours

Monday:

8:00 am-8:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-8:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am-2:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed