Why You Should Get a Yearly Skin Cancer Screening (And What It Detects)

Most people understand the importance of annual health checkups. We schedule dental cleanings, eye exams, and physicals because we know prevention matters. But there’s one essential health screening that many people overlook: an annual skin cancer screening.

“Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and it can provide important clues about your overall health,” says Richard Price, M.D., of Price Skin Care Clinic in Ridgeland, Mississippi. “Regular skin exams performed by trained skin care professionals can detect early signs of skin cancer and other conditions before they become serious.”

At Price Skin Care Clinic in Ridgeland, Mississippi, we perform comprehensive skin cancer screenings for patients across the Jackson metropolitan area as part of routine preventive care. Early detection remains one of the most effective tools in protecting long-term skin health.

Skin Cancer Is More Common Than Many People Realize
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Millions of cases are diagnosed every year, affecting people of all ages and skin types.

While hearing the word ‘cancer’ can be alarming, there is encouraging news: when skin cancer is detected early, it is often highly treatable.

This is one of the primary reasons we offer skin exams. Many skin cancers begin as small changes that may not be obvious to someone without medical training.

During a skin exam we carefully examine the skin and identify suspicious spots early—often before symptoms develop.

Early Detection Can Make a Life-Saving Difference
One of the greatest advantages of yearly skin exams is the ability to detect problems early.

That’s important, because many skin cancers develop slowly over time. During the early stages, they may appear as:
• A small mole that begins to change
• A slightly raised bump on the skin
• A patch of rough or scaly skin
• A sore that doesn’t seem to heal

Because these changes can be subtle, people often overlook them or assume they are harmless.

Our skin care professionals at Price Skin Care Clinic are trained to identify patterns and characteristics that may signal a developing problem. Detecting these warning signs early allows treatment to begin quickly, often preventing the condition from becoming more serious.

Some Areas of the Body Are Hard to Check Yourself
Even people who regularly examine their skin at home can miss important areas.

Certain parts of the body are simply difficult to see without assistance, including:
• The scalp
• The back
• Behind the ears
• The backs of the legs
• Between the toes

During a professional skin cancer screening, we perform a careful, head-to-toe evaluation of the skin, including these commonly missed areas.

Skin exams are designed to be thorough while still quick and comfortable for patients.

We Know What to Look For
To an untrained eye, many skin spots can look similar. A harmless freckle may appear nearly identical to something more concerning.

We use specialized training and tools such as a magnifying glass and loops to evaluate skin lesions, moles, and growths.

This helps us determine whether a spot:
• Is completely harmless
• Should be monitored over time
• Requires further testing, such as a biopsy

Because of this expertise, a professional skin cancer screening can provide reassurance—or identify potential concerns early when treatment is easiest.

Annual Skin Exams Are Especially Important for High-Risk Individuals
While anyone can develop skin cancer, some people face a higher level of risk. Annual skin exams are particularly important for individuals who:
• Have fair skin
• Burn easily in the sun
• Have a history of sunburns
• Spend significant time outdoors
• Have used tanning beds
• Have a family history of skin cancer
• Have many moles or unusual moles

However, it’s important to remember that skin cancer can affect people of all skin tones and backgrounds, which is why routine skin checks are recommended for most adults.

Skin Exams Are Quick and Painless
One reason some people delay scheduling a skin cancer screening is uncertainty about the process.

Many assume the exam will be complicated or uncomfortable.

But that not’s true according to Dr. Price.

“Most skin exams take about 10 to 15 minutes and only involve a visual examination of the skin,” he says. “We check for unusual spots, moles, or lesions and may ask questions about any changes you’ve noticed. If a spot appears suspicious, we may recommend monitoring it or performing a small biopsy to determine whether it is cancerous.”

The exam itself is quick, painless, and an important part of preventive care.

Protecting Your Skin Starts With Awareness
While an annual skin cancer screening is important, you can also play a role in protecting your skin between appointments.

At Price Skin Care Clinic, we recommend performing a simple self-check once a month. Look for:
• New moles or spots
• Changes in existing moles
• Lesions that itch, bleed, or grow
• Sores that do not heal

If you notice anything unusual, it’s important to schedule an evaluation with a skin care provider.

Schedule Your Annual Skin Exam
Preventive care is one of the most effective ways to protect your health. A yearly skin exam takes only a few minutes but can help detect skin cancer and other conditions early.

If you have not had a skin exam in the past year, consider scheduling an appointment with the experienced skin care team at Price Skin Care Clinic by calling 601.992.3996

Early detection can make a life-saving difference—and your skin deserves the same level of care as the rest of your health.

In the next article in this series, we’ll explain exactly what happens during a professional skin cancer screening and how you can prepare for your appointment.

Quick Facts: Common Questions About Skin Exams

How long does a skin cancer screening take?

Most professional skin exams take about 10–15 minutes.

How often should you get a skin exam?

At Price Skin Care Clinic we recommend an annual exam for most adults.

Do skin exams include checking your scalp?

Yes. A full skin exam includes the scalp, back, and other areas that are difficult to examine yourself.

Are skin exams painful?

No. A standard exam is simply a visual inspection of the skin.