Men undergo screening for skin cancer at lower rates than women, but they’re at higher lifetime risk for some types of skin cancer, like melanoma. Screening is key for early detection and treatment.

Skin cancer can happen to anyone at any age and is the most common cancer in the United States, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). But men have a higher lifetime risk of skin cancer than women.

After age 50, men are also at greater risk of melanoma. While melanoma is the most deadly of skin cancers, it’s curable when detected early.

Even with this increased risk, men may undergo screening for skin cancer less often than women.

In a 2018 study of participation in the AAD’s free skin cancer screening program over a 28-year period, a lower percentage of men attended the screenings. The study researchers noted that increasing screening for older men would most positively affect skin cancer outcomes.

Seeing a dermatologist for regular skin cancer screenings can help you detect the early signs of skin cancer. Finding and treating skin cancer early gives you a better chance of reducing or avoiding the complications of untreated skin cancer.

In this article, we’ll review:

  • what you can expect from a skin cancer screening or a total body skin exam with a dermatologist
  • how often you should see a dermatologist
  • what else you can do to reduce your risk for skin cancer

It’s a good idea to do an entire body self-check monthly. When doing a self-check, look at all areas of your skin, including your scalp, groin, hands, and feet. That way, you can more easily notice:

  • any new or changing moles
  • any new pink, brown, or tan lesions
  • any new lesions that appear lighter or darker than your regular skin tone
  • new growths
  • itching lesions
  • growths that bleed on their own
  • any non-healing ulcerations
  • any other growths or lesions of concern

You should also do a self-check before you go to your skin cancer screening appointment and take note of any changes you want to ask your dermatologist, which may include:

  • discoloration
  • growths
  • moles of concern or ones that are changing
  • lumps

It’s also a good idea before your appointment to check in with immediate family members (parents, siblings, or children) and to ask if they have had skin cancer, especially melanoma, as melanoma can be genetic.

If you’re concerned about any spots or changes to your skin, your dermatologist may ask some of the following questions, so it may help to prepare answers ahead of time:

  • How long has it been there?
  • Are you experiencing any symptoms, or has the lesion changed? If so, how (shape, color, pain, bleeding, etc.)?
  • Do you have any personal or family history of skin cancer or precancerous lesions?
  • Do you wear sunscreen daily?
  • Do you have any history of sunburns or tanning bed use?

A skin cancer screening usually takes between 10 and 15 minutes, depending on how extensive the examination is and how many questions you may have for the dermatologist.

Here’s a general idea of what will happen at your appointment:

  1. Someone from the medical team will likely ask you to fully undress and put on a light gown that ties together in the back. You may be able to keep your underwear on. In some cases, you may only need to undress so that the areas you’re concerned about are visible for the dermatologist to see.
  2. For a total body skin exam or skin cancer screening, the dermatologist will look at all uncovered areas of your skin that you would like them to examine, from your scalp down to your toes.
  3. If the dermatologist notices any precancerous spots (actinic keratoses), they will usually treat them with liquid nitrogen. If any lesions are of concern, they will typically take a biopsy.
  4. If the dermatologist doesn’t see any concerning signs of skin cancer, they will end the screening.

Why do a biopsy?

A biopsy is a tissue sample from a lesion that a dermatologist thinks needs further evaluation. It’s important to remember that having a biopsy done does not mean you necessarily have skin cancer.

Here’s what a skin biopsy usually involves:

  1. Using a very small needle, the dermatologist will numb the area with a localized injection of a numbing agent.
  2. If performing a shave biopsy, they’ll use a sharp blade to remove the tissue. For a punch biopsy, they’ll use a tool that looks like a cookie-cutter.
  3. If you had a punch biopsy, you may need stitches. These usually come out within 5 to 14 days. Dissolvable stitches may take up to 3 weeks to break down.

The dermatologist will send the sample to a dermatopathologist — a doctor trained in examining skin biopsies — to examine the skin cells more closely for the possible presence of cancerous cells.

Biopsy results will usually come back within 2 weeks with a definitive answer as to whether the area is affected by skin cancer. If it’s been more than 2 weeks and you have not heard from the dermatologist, you can (and should) call their office to ask about your results.

Remember that it’s your right to receive your results, regardless of whether they are negative or positive for cancer cells.

There’s no clear medical consensus on how often people should undergo screening for skin cancer. However, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends annual screenings, especially if you’re at an increased risk of skin cancer.

You may want to undergo a skin cancer screening during a yearly physical exam.

If you’re concerned about anything new prior to a yearly skin exam, make an appointment.

If you’ve previously received a skin cancer diagnosis, your doctor will likely recommend yearly screenings and possibly more frequent screenings following a new diagnosis.

Some risk factors for skin cancer may include:

  • increasing age
  • light skin tone or skin that burns easily
  • eyes that are blue or green
  • light hair that’s blond or reddish
  • having a lot of moles around your body
  • family history of melanoma or another skin cancer (especially a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling)
  • having skin cancer previously
  • history of tanning bed use
  • history of radiation, such as for cancer treatment
  • history of sunburn
  • being immunocompromised

While having a lighter skin tone may increase risk, people with darker skin tones can also develop skin cancer. That’s why it’s important for everyone to have regular skin exams, limit time in direct sunlight, and regularly wear sunscreen.

You can take several preventive steps to reduce your risk of skin cancer:

  • Limit your time in direct sunlight: Try to limit exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
  • Wear protective clothing when you’re outside: This can include a hat, long sleeves, and long pants, along with sunglasses. For best results, look for clothing with UPF, which acts as a sun protectant.
  • Wear a mineral sunscreen: Consider a zinc oxide or titanium oxide sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Avoid chemical sunscreens, which may contain ingredients that can increase your risk of other health issues. Remember to reapply sunscreen if you’re out in the sun for more than 2 hours.
  • Don’t use indoor tanning equipment that exposes you directly to UV light: The more you tan, the more you damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.

Here’s a how-to guide for doing a thorough self-exam for skin cancer:

  • Stand in front of a full-length mirror so that you can see your entire body.
  • Check your arms, including your hands, palms, between your fingers, and armpits.
  • Check your legs, including your feet, soles, between your toes, calves, and thighs — front and back.
  • Get a smaller mirror to check the back of your neck and the top of your head. Pull aside any hair that may be blocking your view of scalp skin. You can still get cancer on areas that appear to be shielded from sun exposure.
  • Use the mirror to look at your back and your buttocks. Be sure to open your buttocks a little to look for symptoms of skin cancer inside your buttocks, too.

To quickly decide whether a new or changing mole, freckle, or spot on your body may need further examination by a doctor, use the ABCDE rule:

  • Asymmetry: Is the spot different in shape on each side?
  • Border irregularity: Is the border around the area jagged or irregular?
  • Color: Is the color inconsistent throughout the spot?
  • Diameter: Is it larger than 1/4 of an inch?
  • Evolving: Does it change each time you look at it?

Positive answers to any of the above may indicate melanoma.

You should also see a dermatologist if you notice anything that:

  • does not heal
  • bleeds on its own
  • is pink, brown, or tan, or lighter or darker than your usual skin tone, and does not resolve
  • is a new, abnormal growth

These can be signs of nonmelanoma skin cancers, such as basal or squamous cell carcinoma.

You can also talk with a doctor about anything you find concerning, even if the mole or freckle does not meet any of the above requirements.

Here are some resources to help you find a dermatologist near you:

  • If you have health insurance, contact your insurance provider and ask for a list of in-network dermatologists. You can also ask a primary care doctor for a referral.
  • Search for dermatologists on sites like Google Maps, Apple Maps, or similar sites to find one near you, and read reviews to see what other people have experienced.
  • If you have difficulties making an in-person appointment, you can use a telemedicine app or service to see a dermatologist quickly over a video appointment. Many dermatologists can virtually examine areas you’re concerned about and provide a diagnosis or next steps.

You can also find a dermatologist by visiting the AAD’s “Find a dermatologist” directory.

Questions for your dermatologist

Some questions you may want to prepare as you choose a dermatologist and get ready for your appointment include:

  • Do they specialize in skin cancer treatments, including surgery?
  • Does this dermatologist treat people with your skin tone or color? Are they familiar with conditions more common in people with your skin tone or color?
  • Do they accept your insurance or payment in other forms? Are their services covered as medical procedures, or will they be considered elective procedures that may cost more?
  • Do they specialize in the type of care you’re looking for? Are they focused on medical treatments or on cosmetic procedures?

Men are at a higher lifetime risk of skin cancers like melanoma. Early detection and regular skin cancer screenings are critical to diagnosing and treating skin cancer successfully.

Consider seeing a dermatologist for a skin cancer screening and learn what else they may be able to do for you. Taking care of your skin can help you create a healthy lifestyle around treatment and prevention that can reduce your risk of cancer and other skin conditions as you age.