Each May, dermatologists across the country raise their voices in support of Melanoma Awareness Month, and here at Mosaic Dermatology in West Fargo, we’re joining in with one simple, but important, reminder: schedule your annual skin check.
You might be thinking, “I just spent the winter indoors, covered up and my skin hasn’t seen the sun in months,” but those sunburns on winter getaways and summers spent at the lake add up. Although melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer, the earlier we catch it, the easier it is to treat. That’s what makes this month so critical. It’s a chance to raise awareness of this serious but treatable cancer and pause to ask ourselves: When was my last skin check?
5 Signs It’s Time to Schedule Your Skin Check
Life gets busy, and sometimes annual exams fall off the radar. Here are a few signs that it’s time to get your skin checked:
- You’ve noticed a new spot that looks or feels different than the rest.
- A mole has changed in size, shape, color, or has started to itch or bleed.
- You have a family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma.
- You’ve had significant sun exposure, even if it was years ago.
- It’s been more than a year since your last full-body skin check.
Even if you haven’t noticed anything concerning, skin checks are still important. People often come into the office with no concerns and actually have a problematic spot they dismissed, or a concerning mole on a part of the body that is hard to see. Routine screenings can help catch potential problems before they become something more serious.
Why Skin Checks Matter
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S., and melanoma is its most dangerous form. It can appear anywhere on the body—not just on sun-exposed areas—and it doesn’t discriminate by age, gender, or skin tone. Fortunately, when caught early, melanoma is highly treatable. At Mosaic Dermatology, we offer full-body skin exams. We check for any suspicious moles, changes in spots you already have, or new growths you might not have noticed. It’s quick, it’s painless, and it could save your life.
So consider this your official nudge. It’s May. It’s Melanoma Awareness Month. And it’s the perfect time to make yourself a priority. Schedule an appointment with us online or give us a call at 701-941-3100. We’ll make sure to get you on the books.
We’re here when you need us, and we’re so glad to be part of your skin health journey!