Although most people know of the dangers of skin cancer and even checking their skin periodically, Dermatologists are musch better at noticing subtle changes. Melanoma is the most dangerous of the common skin cancers and can be found by patients themselves, but new research reveals that self-detection is not as effective as screenings performed by a Dermatologist. This study proved that in addition to Dermatologists finding more melanomas, they are more likely to detect thinner tumors, or those in earlier stages, which is critical to increasing survival.
Although self-examination is an important and necessary part of one’s skin care, it does not replace the need for regular skin cancer screenings that should be performed by a board-certified Dermatologist.
