Skin Cancer Screening | New York

The Importance of Skin Cancer Screening in New York

As the warm sun emerges from behind the clouds and the vibrant colors of blooming flowers paint the city, it can only mean one thing: summer has arrived in the concrete jungle of New York! From picnics in Central Park to rooftop parties with breathtaking skyline views, New Yorkers embrace summer with open arms and a zest for adventure.

During the scorching summer months, New Yorkers also flock to the city’s picturesque beaches, seeking solace from the bustling urban environment. The shores of Long Island, Coney Island with its iconic boardwalk, the luxurious Hamptons, and the sandy stretches of Jones Beach all provide sun-soaked relaxation and the perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls and sunny beach days.

But amidst all the summer fun, it’s important for New Yorkers not to forget the significance of protecting their skin from the summer sun.

In this article the top dermatologists at Goldenberg Dermatology in New York, NY dive into the dangers of skin cancer and the benefits of regular skin cancer screening while keeping the spirit of summer alive in the Big Apple!

The Prevalence of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer globally, with millions of cases diagnosed each year and thousands of deaths attributable to melanoma and other skin cancers.

Skin cancer affects people of all ages and skin types. In the United States, it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer, surpassing all other types of cancer combined. According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that in 2023 alone, there will be over 207,000 new cases of melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) and over 5.4 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Tragically, skin cancer can also be deadly. Although non-melanoma skin cancers have a relatively high survival rate, melanoma is responsible for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths. It is estimated that in 2023, around 7,180 people in the United States will lose their lives to melanoma.

The good news is that early detection through regular skin cancer screening can significantly improve survival and full recovery from skin cancer. The skin cancer experts at Goldenberg Dermatology offer the most advanced, rapid, and effective skin cancer screening in New York City.

American Cancer Society Guidelines for Skin Cancer Screening

Regular skin cancer screening plays a vital role in detecting skin cancer at its earliest stages when treatment is most effective. Screening helps identify suspicious moles, lesions, or growths that may require further evaluation and testing. Early detection allows for prompt medical intervention, increasing the likelihood of successful treatment and offering the opportunity for treatment and cure – before it is too late.

The American Cancer Society has established guidelines for effective skin cancer screening practices. Here are their recommendations:

1. Self-Examination: Perform regular self-examinations to familiarize yourself with your skin and note any changes in moles, freckles, or growths. Look for warning signs such as asymmetry, irregular borders, color variations, or changes in size or shape.
2. Professional Examination: Individuals should receive a skin cancer screening from a healthcare professional every year. This examination can be part of one’s routine healthcare visits – or can be conducted by a dermatologist trained to detect skin cancer at its earliest stages. The frequency of these examinations will vary depending on individual risk factors, such as a personal or family history of skin cancer, a high number of moles, or a history of excessive sun exposure.
3. High-Risk Individuals: Those at higher risk, including individuals with a personal or family history of skin cancer or those with numerous atypical moles, may require more frequent screenings and should seek screen cancer screening from a dermatologist with the training and technology to detect skin cancer as early as possible.

Benefits of Skin Cancer Screening

Regular skin cancer screening offers several benefits, the most important of which is early detection. Detecting skin cancer as early as possible is crucial for successful treatment and dramatically improves survival rates. By identifying suspicious skin changes early on, skin cancer can be diagnosed and treated in its initial stages, which significantly increases the chances of survival and a positive outcome.

Regular skin cancer screening at Goldenberg Dermatology in New York also provides peace of mind for individuals, knowing that they are taking proactive steps to protect their skin health. A clean bill of health – and timely detection of potential issues – reduces anxiety and worry about potential skin cancer issues!

Skin cancer screening often involves educational components, as well. Our New York dermatologists can provide you with personalized information on sun protection, lifestyle modifications, and self-examination techniques. This empowers our New York patients to make informed decisions about their skin health so they can adopt the most effective preventive measures.

Is Skin Cancer Screening Covered by Insurance?

Most private health insurance covers skin cancer screening at a dermatologist. You can check with your insurer for skin cancer screening coverage depending on your specific plan. Many insurance plans cover skin care screening at a dermatologist as a preventive service. Almost all other insurance plans will cover skin cancer screening if it is ‘medically necessary’ – meaning that it will likely be covered if you have any suspicious moles, marks, or lesions.

Medicaid and Medicare both cover skin cancer screening at a dermatologist under many circumstances. Medicaid covers the screening as a preventive service for people who are at high risk for skin cancer, such as those with fair skin or a family history of skin cancer. Medicare covers the screening as a preventive service for people who are 65 years old or older.

When you schedule a skin cancer screening appointment at Goldenberg Dermatology in New York, we will check with your insurance company to see what your coverage is.

Skin Cancer Screening | New York

Skin cancer is a very common and potentially life-threatening condition. However, regular skin cancer screening can detect skin cancer early, leading to effective treatment, full recovery, and significantly reduced mortality rates.

Goldenberg Dermatology NYC proudly features the most advanced skin cancer screening and detection technologies, including state-of-the-art, non-invasive Nevisense, an advanced method utilized for the detection of melanoma and abnormal moles (dysplastic nevi) in the earliest stages.

Schedule a skin cancer screening appointment at Goldenberg Dermatology in New York and put your mind at ease, and ensure your skin is cancer free!

Dermatologist Skin Cancer Screening | New York, NY:  212-405-8202