Summer is Over – Time to Revisit Skin Cancer Screenings banner

Summer is Over – Time to Revisit Skin Cancer Screenings

By kep2020 • October 3, 2025

With summer in the rear view mirror, it’s time to assess the season’s damage. Cumulative sun exposure over the past few months can increase your risk for sun cancer, so as summer winds down, schedule a skin cancer screening.

Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Even brief or intermittent sunburns can damage DNA in skin cells, increasing long-term risk. A post-summer skin cancer screening allows your doctor to examine your skin for early signs of damage so they can spot suspicious lesions before they progress.

During a screening, a trained professional examines your skin from head to toe, checking for new growths, moles that have changed in size or color and lesions that may appear irregular or asymmetrical. A dermoscopy, which is a specialized magnifying tool, is used to closely inspect flagged spots. Skin cancers caught in their initial stages are often highly treatable, so it’s important to catch problem areas early.

At home, you don’t have to wait for a screening to monitor your skin. Use the ABCDE method to keep an eye on moles and spots:

  • Asymmetry: one half looks different from the other
  • Border: irregular, scalloped or poorly defined edges
  • Color: uneven shades of brown, black, tan or even red and white
  • Diameter: larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
  • Evolving: changes in size, shape, color or symptoms like itching or bleeding

Protection and prevention doesn’t just happen in the summertime; it should be year-round. Wear broad spectrum sunscreen every day, reapply when outdoors for longer than 2 hours, seek shade during peak sun hours and wear protective clothing, hats & sunglasses.

Dr. Perman works closely with many Mohs surgeons in the Washington, Maryland and Virginia area to coordinate excision and reconstruction, to ensure comprehensive treatment of eyelid malignancy. Have questions or would like to set up an appointment? Click HERE to contact us today!