To effectively convey information to your doctor about any concerns that you have with changes in your skin, it is important to understand what is important. This is easy to remember when it comes to moles since it is based on the first letters of the alphabet. Watch for changes in the Asymmetry, Borders, Colors, Diameter and the Evolution or changing in the mole.
In addition you will need to be able to note any changes in skin texture, wounds or lesions that don’t heal, areas that bleed or crust over and areas of the skin that have bumps, concave centers or any other types of abnormalities.1
Talking to your doctor about skin cancer in a logical and detailed fashion is much more informative to the doctor than just stating that you think there has been a change. Routine self-examinations using body maps that record and detail the shape of moles, freckles and skin irregularities are extremely helpful as a resource.2 If you can, digital images with a ruler or gauge beside the mole or skin area is very informative in clearly demonstrating any changes, growths or irregularities that have developed since the area was first noted.
Talk To Your Doctor About Self-Examinations
If you haven’t started self-examinations with body maps or if you have but aren’t sure of just what to watch for be sure to ask at your next appointment. Most physicians will have clear pictures that can help you see what is meant by the ABCD aspects of mole recording. In addition your doctor can advise you based on your skin coloration and family history about your risks for developing all types of skin cancer.
The greater the number of risk factors you have for skin cancers the more important this discussion will be. The major risk factors to consider include:3
- Light skin, light eyes and fair or red hair
- Sunburns throughout childhood and adulthood
- UV radiation exposure through tanning beds or exposure at work
- Living in climates that have excessive sunlight
- Medical complications, transplants or chronic health conditions
- Toxic exposures
- Skin lesions that are slow to heal or don’t heal
- Moles and freckles in large numbers on the body
Talking proactively to your doctor will make you more aware of how you can monitor your skin and note any possible precancerous changes to the skin.
Ask For A Skin Examination
Many family physicians do not routinely complete skin examinations on patients as a standard part of the annual physical. In an article published in The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice it was found that only about 60% of family physicians routinely examine even high-risk patients with full body skin exams.4 In another similar study reported in Preventative Medicine it was found that only 14.5% of the adult population surveyed reported ever having had a skin exam by their family doctor which was down from 20.6% in 1992. The report also found that the segment of the population most commonly given skin exams are high risk white people over the age of 50 with a family history of melanoma.5 
This means that the majority of family physicians treating younger white people or people with darker skin complexions typically do not routine complete skin exams. If your physician does not routinely examine your skin, which means looking through your hair to the scalp and examining all areas of the body you may not be getting the screening that can be essential in early detection of any type of skin cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society skin both routine self-exams and at least yearly skin exams from your family doctor are important in prevention and early detection.6 The more that the public become educated about the proactive value of these exams the more that doctors will routinely add them to their procedures for general physical examinations.
Make A List
In order to ensure that you get all your questions answered it is a great idea to write out a list of the questions or concerns that you have about any atypical or irregular areas of your skin. Your doctor can then examine the skin and inform you of any possible areas of concern. He or she may also choose to make a referral to a dermatologist that is highly trained in all aspects of skin health and disease.
Researching answers and information on the internet is an excellent first step before talking with your doctor. However, self diagnosis based on information on a website, no matter how reputable, cannot replace a confirmation of a diagnosis from your doctor or dermatologist. Many skin conditions have the same symptoms as cancer and some skin conditions may be caused by serious health conditions that require immediate diagnosis and treatment.
Talking to your doctor about skin cancer at your next annual check-up or appointment will help reduce any stress or fear you may have about your skin health. It can also help your doctor in explaining the risk factors you may have for developing skin cancer or melanoma as well as preventive steps you can take to minimize your risk factors whenever possible.
References
1 Skin Cancer Symptoms. (n.d.). Retrieved from Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.com/health/skin-cancer/DS00190/DSECTION=symptoms
2 Melanoma Monday Mole Map. (n.d.). Retrieved from American Academy Of Dermatology: www.melanomamonday.org/documents/08_96 Melanoma Monday Mole Map.pdf
3 Skin Cancer Risk Factors. (n.d.). Retrieved from Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.com/health/skin-cancer/DS00190/DSECTION=risk-factors
4 Allen C Geller et al. (2004 ). Overcoming Obstacles to Skin Cancer Examinations and Prevention Counseling for High-Risk Patients: Results of a National Survey of Primary Care Physicians . The Journal of the american Board of Family Practice , 416-423.
5 Mona Saraiya, M.D, M.P.H. (2004). Skin cancer screening among U.S. adults from 1992, 1998, and 2000 National Health Interview Surveys. Preventative Medicine, Volum 39, Issue 2 , 308-314 .
6 Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection . (n.d.). Retrieved from American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org/Cancer/SkinCancer-Melanoma/MoreInformation/SkinCancerPreventionandEarlyDetection/skin-cancer-prevention-and-early-detection-skin-exams
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