What to know about annual skin cancer screening

A clinician examines visible skin, including less obvious sites such as the scalp, behind the ears, between the toes and around the nails. Tell them about any spot that is new, changing, bleeding, crusting, tender or persistently itchy. A dermatoscope may be used to magnify colours and structures that cannot be assessed as clearly with the unaided eye. Screening itself does not diagnose every suspicious mark; a closer review, photographs for comparison or a biopsy may be advised when a lesion needs clarification.

Before the visit, remove nail polish and heavy makeup if practical, note changes you have seen and bring details of previous biopsies or skin cancers. Wear clothing that is easy to remove and ask whether the examination includes areas covered by underwear. Between appointments, become familiar with your usual moles and marks in good light; photographs can help you notice evolution. Your clinician can suggest a review interval based on skin type, sun exposure, family and personal history, immune suppression and the findings of the examination.

Arrange an earlier assessment for a mole or patch that changes in size, shape or colour, looks unlike your other marks, repeatedly bleeds, forms a sore that does not heal, or develops persistent pain or itching. Seek prompt care if a skin lesion is bleeding heavily or shows spreading redness, warmth, swelling or discharge. A scheduled annual visit should never delay assessment of a concerning change.

Ask which features of your history affect your screening interval, how to examine areas you cannot easily see, and whether baseline photographs would be useful. If a mark is being monitored, clarify what change should trigger an earlier appointment and how the practice communicates biopsy results.