Skin Cancer Screenings

How to protect yourself

From sunscreen to self-screening, there are several ways to protect yourself and your family against skin cancer. Check out the Q and A below for detailed tips.

Is it safe for newborns to be out in the sun?

No. Keep newborns out of the sun. Protect children ages six months and older with sunscreen.

What should I look for when purchasing sunscreen?

Sunscreen comes in more user-friendly forms than ever before—creams, sprays, lotions, and wipes—and in handy take-along containers. Whatever form you choose, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen that offers the following:

Broad-spectrum protection (both UVA and UVB protection)
SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher
Water resistance, if you plan to be in water; reapply as directed by the instructions on the product’s label

When should I apply sunscreen?

Sunscreen is most effective when you apply an even layer over all exposed skin 15–30 minutes before you’ll be out in the sun. Be sure to reapply every two hours—or more often if you get wet or sweaty.

Where should I apply sunscreen?

Keep it away from your eyes, but apply sunscreen anywhere your skin is exposed, paying careful attention to the tops and outside areas of your ears, back, chest, nose, hands, and feet.

What other things can I do to protect myself from the sun?

Wear sun-protective swimwear, hats, and clothing. Some sun shirts have SPF values of 50 or higher.
Wear a hat with a wide (four-inch or greater) brim to protect your face and neck.
Use a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Protect your eyes with sunglasses that provide UVA and UVB protection.
If possible, seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

How can I detect skin cancer as early as possible?

Regular skin cancer screenings can help increase your odds of early detection. These screenings are most commonly performed at your physician’s office or at a dermatology office.

In addition, the American Cancer Society suggests performing monthly self-exams. Do your self-exams in a well-lit room in front of a full-length mirror. Use a hand-held mirror for areas that are hard to see.

What should I look for during my self-exams?

To help identify trouble spots, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends looking for the ABCDEs of melanoma:

Asymmetry: One half of the spot is unlike the other half.
Border: The spot has an irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined border.
Color: The spot has varying colors from one area to the next, such as shades of tan, brown, or black, or areas of white, red, or blue.
Diameter: While melanomas are usually greater than six millimeters across (or about the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, they can be smaller.
Evolving: The spot looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color.

You should also keep an eye out for any spots that are painful or bleeding.

If you notice any of these issues, have them checked by a medical provider.

Skin Care Team

Here at Parkview, you’ll be cared for by a dedicated team of skin cancer specialists and sub-specialists, not a general oncologist who treats all types of cancer.

Learn more about our skin care team.

Research & Clinical Trials

Parkview Research Center, in collaboration with Parkview Packnett Family Cancer Institute, provides innovative clinical research dedicated to advancing cancer care.

View current research & clinical trials

Screening and Testing

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, but the good news is that when it’s found and treated early, it can be cured. Skin cancer screenings can help identify cancer early on, when treatment is most effective. These type of screenings can be done at your physician’s office, at a dermatology offce, at some annual Check-up Day sites or at community outreach events.

Think you’re not at risk for skin cancer? Think again. Sunburn increases risk. Check out these myths about sun exposure.