What to Expect at a Skin Cancer Screening 

Your skin is your largest organ, but it doesn’t get the attention it deserves—especially when it comes to skin checks for cancer.

That should change, says Dr. Susan Massick, associate professor of dermatology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, because a skin cancer screening exam is one of the easiest you’ll ever have. “There is nothing to fear, dread, or be anxious about. There is no preparation needed beforehand, no bloodwork or imaging studies required during it, and no downtime afterward,” she says. Not only is a skin check straightforward and painless, but it can also give you peace of mind while being proactive about your skin health, she adds.

Here’s what dermatologists say you should know about skin cancer screenings.

Who should get a skin cancer screening?

Does everyone need to get an annual skin check with a dermatologist? Can you just do it at home yourself?

In 2023, the United States Preventative Services Task Force, a panel of national experts in disease prevention and evidence-based medicine, issued a recommendation statement saying that asymptomatic, low-risk adolescents and adults do not necessarily need routine annual skin exams. Instead, groups including the American Academy of Dermatology Association say that people should perform regular self-exams and consult with a dermatologist if they notice any changes.

But “those at higher risk—such as individuals with a personal or family history of skin cancer, numerous moles or atypical nevi, or a history of significant sun exposure—should have annual professional screenings,” says Dr. Shoshana Marmon, assistant professor in the department of dermatology at New York Medical College. (For children, screenings are generally unnecessary unless there’s a family history of melanoma or concerning changes in moles; however, parents should routinely monitor their children’s skin for any worrisome lesions, especially if they have fair skin, freckles, or a tendency to burn…