11 Doctor-Recommended Women's Health Screening Tests You Should Know

7. Skin Cancer Screening (Dermatology exam and self-checks)

Skin checks are a practical way to catch melanoma and other skin cancers early, when treatment is most successful. Self-exams are simple: once a month, look for new moles, spots that change shape, color, or size, and anything that bleeds or won’t heal. Dermatologists often recommend annual full-body skin exams for people with many moles, a personal or family history of skin cancer, or significant sun exposure. If you have fair skin, a history of tanning-bed use, or frequent sunburns, be extra vigilant. During a clinic exam, photographers or dermoscopy tools may be used to document suspicious lesions. A biopsy is the definitive test if a mole looks abnormal. If caught early, most skin cancers are highly treatable. Protect your skin with sunscreen, protective clothing, and by avoiding peak sun hours.