While the word “dermatologist” is foreign to many Americans, experts strongly suggest that annual skin exams should be a routine part of healthcare.
According to an article in United Press International, research shows that detecting warning signs of melanoma early in the game can actually save your life.
The president of the Skin Cancer Foundation in New York, Dr. Perry Robins, explains that when detected early on, nearly 99% of patients will survive melanoma. If not detected in time, the survival rate drastically drops to 15%.
Monthly exams can be performed at home, Dr. Robins suggests. People should look for changes in the appearance of moles or birthmarks, such as a change in color, texture or size. Worrisome signs are moles that are clear, dark or multi-colored, or that are itchy and begin bleeding or crusting. If you notice a mole that is bigger than the head of a pencil, or a new mole that appears past childhood, consult a dermatologist immediately.