Dermatologists urge annual full-body skin checks to catch hidden cancers
Doctors warn that skin cancer often hides in hard-to-see areas like the scalp and behind ears, and that minor changes in existing moles can signal serious issues.
By Mateo Thompson ·
Skin cancer does not always present as a dark, changing mole on a sun-exposed limb. Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, said patients frequently overlook warning signs such as sores that fail to heal or spots that bleed easily.
Rogers advised patients to monitor their skin using the ABCDE criteria: asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter, and evolution. She noted that even spots present for years require attention. Gerontologist Sam Cradduck emphasized that small changes matter. "A millimeter can matter a lot," Cradduck said. Patients should track growth, symmetry shifts, or new bleeding.
While common advice focuses on arms and shoulders, Rogers said cancer can appear in hidden locations. "You have to look everywhere because they can hide," Rogers said. She listed the scalp, behind the ears, between the toes, and under nails as common hiding spots. Because individuals often cannot see their own scalp, Rogers recommended professional exams or assistance from a partner to check these blind spots.
Aging expert Amy O'Rourke shared a personal example. She visited a dermatologist for a brown spot on her cheek. A full-body scan revealed a squamous cell cancer on top of her head, which she treated with surgery. Katherie Ambrose, an aging well coach, said she recently arranged full-body scans for herself and her husband.
Rogers noted that risk factors include fair skin, age, and family history. She described the risk as both genetic and environmental. She warned that UVA and UVB rays are invisible and can pass through glass. Melanoma is often linked to deep, intermittent sunburns and spreads quickly. In contrast, squamous cell and basal cell cancers often appear as pinkish, itchy sores. Rogers also corrected the myth that darker skin tones do not need sunscreen, stating that it protects DNA and cells.
Rogers suggested that patients check their insurance policies, as some plans cover annual dermatology visits similar to well-woman exams. In addition to sunscreen, sun-protective clothing like rash guards and wide-brimmed hats offer extra protection.
The next step for patients is to request a full-body exam and mole mapping during their annual visit to track changes over time.
