Minnesota Family Physicians Encourage Skin Cancer Screenings

Thursday, June 6, 2002

The Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians says not only should you be checking your skin for signs of cancer every month, you may also want to ask your family doctor for a screening.

Cancer of the skin is the most common of all cancers. While some forms are highly treatable, other forms, like melanoma, can be deadly if not caught early enough. The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 54,000 Americans will be diagnosed with melanoma this year. About 7,400 will die from the disease.

“Many people think you have to wait and see a dermatologist to have a skin cancer screening.,” said Lynne Lillie, M.D., a Woodbury family doctor and member of the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians. “Family doctors are perfectly capable and more than willing to examine a patient’s skin for potential problems.”

The American Cancer Society recommends a complete skin examination be done every three years for those ages 20 to 39. It recommends an annual examination for those over 40. “If you spot a suspicious mole or just have a general concern, don’t be afraid to talk to your family doctor about it, whether it has been three years or three weeks.” Dr. Lillie said. “Family physicians are specialists in your overall health. We will be able to calm your concerns or take appropriate action when needed.”

Family doctors urge patients to do their part in preventing melanoma by:

Avoiding the sun, especially from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest

Using sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (spf) of 15 or higher

Avoiding tanning booths or sunlamps – numerous studies have shown they damage the skin just like real sunlight does

Wearing protective clothing such as hats, long-sleeved shirts and long pants made of tightly woven fabric

Checking your skin every month for signs of cancer

Doctors say melanoma can look like a mole, bump or growth on the skin. It can appear anywhere on the body. In men it is most often found on the chest, stomach or back. In women, it is most often found on the legs. Characteristics to look for when checking your skin are irregular-shaped growths, moles with vaguely defined borders, uneven distribution of color, and growths larger than one-quarter inch. You should also watch for moles that itch, bleed, or become hard.

Sunburns and suntans are signs that the skin has been damaged. This damage increases your risk of getting skin cancer. Sunburns in childhood are the most damaging. Children younger than 6 months of age should never be outside in direct sunshine and children 6 months or older should wear sunscreen every day.

If the skin is protected from the sun, the risk of skin cancer is lower. “Skin cancer is a threat,” Dr. Lillie said. “But it’s one everyone can do something about. Take precautions to protect yourself and see your family doctor for a screening and/or advice.”

The Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians is a professional association of approximately 2,700 family physicians, family medicine residents and medical students organized to assist family physicians in providing quality medical care in Minnesota. The MAFP is the largest medical specialty organization in Minnesota and is a state chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the largest medical specialty organization in the United States with more than 93,000 members.