Skin Cancer Screenings: A Must for Summer Safety
As the Carolina sun beckons us outdoors, it’s crucial to prioritize skin health. I recently spoke with Becky Vaglio and Anne Sexton, Physician Assistants at Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in Fort Mill, SC, about the importance of skin cancer screenings, risk factors, prevention, and treatment.
The Sobering Statistics
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, accounting for more cases than all other cancers combined. One in five Americans will develop it by age 70. While early detection leads to a 99% five-year survival rate, skin cancer, specifically melanoma still claims over two lives every hour in the U.S.
Alarmingly, many people experience no pain or symptoms, making full-body screenings essential. Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery’s new Fort Mill location offers these screenings, using dermatoscopes (see image below) to examine skin lesions in detail.
If you have never had a skin cancer screening before, it is important to know that there is no machine that scans your body. Instead, medical professionals like Becky and Anne perform a thorough visual examination using their eyes and a dermatoscope. Dermatoscopes are invaluable tools for examining and diagnosing skin lesions, especially skin cancers. These devices allow professionals to see subsurface structures down to the reticular dermis and document images for future comparison, significantly enhancing diagnostic accuracy compared to visual inspection alone. In the hands of trained professionals, dermatoscopes play a crucial role in the early detection and management of skin cancers.
Risk Factors and Prevention
Several factors increase your risk of skin cancer:
- Sun Exposure: The most significant risk is cumulative exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds.
- Fair Skin: Those with fair skin, light hair, and eyes are more susceptible.
- Family History: A family history of skin cancer elevates your risk.
- Multiple Moles: Having many moles, especially atypical ones, can increase your risk.
- Weakened Immune System: Certain medications or health conditions can make you more vulnerable.
The best way to protect yourself is through sun safety:
- Seek Shade: Especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
- Wear Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats offer good protection. Look for clothing with UPF of 50+.
- Use Sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and apply it every day, even when it’s cloudy. Reapply every two hours, or more often if sweating or swimming. If using a spray-on sunscreen, be sure to rub the sunscreen onto your skin after applying. As Becky and Anne advise, “The best sunscreen is the one you are willing to wear.” Whether it’s lotion or spray, choose at least SPF 30 and apply it 15-20 minutes before going outside.
- Avoid Tanning Beds: These emit harmful UV radiation that cause premature aging and increases the likelihood of developing skin cancer.
- Dispelling the “Base Tan” Myth: You may have heard that getting a base tan can prevent sunburn. However, there’s no such thing as a safe tan. Any change in skin color from tanning, whether from the sun or a tanning bed, indicates DNA damage. This damage accumulates over time and significantly increases your risk of skin cancer.
Identifying Warning Signs
The ABCDE rule helps identify suspicious moles or growths:
- A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other.
- B – Border: The border is irregular, notched, or blurred.
- C – Color: The color is uneven.
- D – Diameter: The diameter is larger than 6 millimeters (pencil eraser size).
- E – Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, or color.
Also, be vigilant for non-healing wounds that last over four weeks or any “ugly ducklings”—spots that look different from others on your body. Importantly, skin cancer affects all skin tones and races. Did you know that Bob Marley died of skin cancer?
Don’t Wait – Get Screened
Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery is currently offering free skin cancer screenings to new patients, often with same-day or next-day appointments. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to schedule a screening. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
Let’s enjoy the Carolina sunshine responsibly!
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Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, Fort Mill – Arden
Centrally located in Arden Mill, our practice is your convenient hub for comprehensive dermatological care, serving Fort Mill, Rock Hill, Indian Land, and South Charlotte. Our skilled practitioners are dedicated to providing exceptional medical and surgical treatments for all conditions affecting your skin, hair, and nails.
Our Expertise:
- Medical Dermatology: Expert diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of skin conditions, including eczema, acne, psoriasis, warts, molluscum, hair loss, and more.
- Skin Cancer: Comprehensive skin cancer exams, early detection, and state-of-the-art treatment options.
- Advanced Cosmetic Procedures: Experience the latest innovations in cosmetic dermatology, designed to revitalize your skin and enhance your natural beauty. Our cutting-edge procedures address aging skin, acne scars, discoloration, lines, wrinkles, and hair loss.
- Personalized Skincare Solutions: Receive expert advice and tailored recommendations to achieve your specific skincare goals. Our wide array of customizable services ensures you get the most effective treatments for your unique needs.
Discover Our Range of Services:
- Medical Facials
- Chemical Peels
- Dermaplaning
- HydraFacial®
- Microneedling
- BOTOX® Cosmetic
- Juvéderm®
- PRP for Hair Loss and Skin Rejuvenation
- VI Peel®
- Daxxify®
- And much more!
At Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, we are committed to empowering you to achieve your desired skin health and aesthetic goals. Our team of experts will guide you every step of the way, providing personalized care and exceptional results.
Schedule a consultation today and discover the transformative power of our comprehensive dermatological services in Fort Mill!
Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
908 Smithfield Way, Ste 101 Fort Mill, SC 29715
803-220-2782
https://www.advancedderm.com/locations/south-carolina/fort-mill/908-smithfield-way-ste-101
Anne Sexton, PA-C, MMS
Anne has nearly a decade of general and surgical dermatology experience. She completed her undergraduate studies from the University of Richmond where she also competed as a collegiate athlete on the Women’s Golf Team.
After college, she moved to Florida and attended Nova Southeastern University Physician Assistant Program earning her master’s degree in physician assistant studies and graduating with honors. Anne completed a rigorous didactic and clinical dermatology training program with Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery after PA school.
She is passionate about skin care and making sure patients receive their own personalized treatment plan to help them look and feel their best. She is experienced in managing a multitude of skin conditions for patients of all ages.
Anne moved to Fort Mill and enjoys the restaurants and lifestyle activities that Fort Mill and the greater Charlotte area have to offer. She enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons, and pets. She also loves traveling and playing golf.
Rebecca Vaglio, PA-C, MMS
Becky (Becky) Vaglio, MMS, PA-C is a nationally certified Physician Assistant with over 8 years of dermatology experience. She completed her undergraduate degree in Exercise and Sport Science at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She then attended Wake Forest University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program receiving a Master of Medical Science degree.
After graduation from the PA program, Becky practiced dermatology outside of Raleigh, NC for a few years. She then moved back to Charlotte, NC where she grew up and practiced at a hospital outpatient dermatology clinic before joining ADCS.
Becky is licensed to practice in NC and SC and is accredited by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). She is an active member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA). She is committed to providing excellent care to keep your skin healthy, and cancer free. She specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of all skin, hair, and nail disorders, and the prevention of skin cancer in all age groups.
Becky also offers cosmetic services including sclerotherapy for leg veins and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections for hair restoration.
In her free time, Becky enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and their two dogs.
