SKIN CANCER SCREENINGS

Examining the health of your skin.

A skin cancer screening helps identify spots or lesions that may need closer attention. You can check your skin at home, or you can visit your family doctor or a clinician who focuses on skin cancer care.

Checking your skin regularly helps you spot changes early and stay proactive about your skin health.

Why regular skin screenings matter.

Screenings help identify changes in the skin before they progress. Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are common and often treatable when found early, while melanoma is less common but can be more serious.

At the Kelowna Skin Cancer Clinic, we focus on early detection so any concerns can be assessed and managed promptly.

Who is most at-risk for skin cancer?

Some people have a higher chance of developing skin cancer and may benefit from more frequent screenings. Common risk factors include:

  1. Lighter skin tone
  2. A history of sunburns
  3. Light-coloured eyes (such as blue or green)
  4. Skin that freckles or burns easily
  5. Red or blond hair
  6. A personal history of skin cancer
  7. A family history of skin cancer
  8. Frequent UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds
  9. Having many moles on the body

Visit a physician if you notice abnormalities.

If you notice any changes or possible signs of skin cancer during a self-check, contact your family physician for an assessment. Common warning signs include:

  • A change in an existing mark or mole
  • Spots or moles that bleed, ooze, or become crusty
  • A mole that is painful to the touch
  • A sore that does not heal within four to six weeks
  • A shiny red, pink, translucent, or pearly bump
  • A sore or mole with uneven borders that may bleed easily
  • Using the “ABCDEFG” rule can also help you recognize moles that might need further evaluation.

Moles that show one or more of the signs below should be checked by a physician. The “ABCDEFG” rule can help you spot features that may need attention:

A — Asymmetry: one half looks different from the other
B — Border: edges that are irregular, blurred, or jagged
C — Colour: uneven colour or multiple shades
D — Diameter: larger than 6 mm (about ¼ inch)
E — Evolving: any change in size, shape, colour, elevation, or other features
F — Firm: feels firmer than surrounding skin
G — Growing: increasing in size over time

How skin cancer screenings work.

If your screening is done by a clinician, they will typically spend 10 to 15 minutes examining your skin. You may be asked to wear a robe so all areas can be assessed comfortably and respectfully.

If you’re doing a self-examination, use a well-lit space and a full-length mirror. A hand-held mirror can help you see harder-to-reach areas. Be sure to check:

  1. Under the breasts (for women)
  2. Both sides of your torso by lifting your arms
  3. The front and back of your forearms
  4. Your hands, including between fingers and around the nails
  5. The front, sides, and back of your legs
  6. Your feet, including the soles, nail beds, and between the toes
  7. Your genitals, back, and buttocks (using a hand mirror)
  8. Your scalp by parting your hair; using a comb or hair dryer can help you see more clearly

Risks of skin cancer screenings


Screenings are helpful, but they do have limitations. Sometimes a normal lesion may look suspicious, which can lead to extra tests or treatments. In other cases, a cancerous spot may appear harmless, which can result in a delayed or missed diagnosis. If a biopsy or excision is recommended, there is also a small risk of scarring or wound infection.

No screening method can detect every skin cancer, but regular checks significantly improve the chances of finding concerns early.

Request an appointment.

Please note that our clinic accepts patients by referral only. If you would like to be seen, contact your family physician or a walk-in clinic to have a referral sent to us. Once received, our team will get in touch to arrange your appointment.

Address

606-550 Osprey Avenue, Kelowna, BC, Canada

Clinic hours

Monday to Friday
8am–1pm, 2pm–4:30pm