Skin Cancer Risks Rise With Age, Doctors Warn

Individuals seeking to manage health costs and personal care routines should verify whether their insurance plans cover annual dermatology visits. Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, noted that some plans include this coverage similarly to a well-woman exam. Patients should check with their providers to confirm this benefit.

The need for vigilance increases as the body ages. Rogers identified specific warning signs that people often miss. These include sores that fail to heal and moles that bleed easily. She emphasized that changes in existing spots require attention, even if the patient has possessed them for years.

To detect these changes, doctors use a specific framework. Rogers outlined the criteria used in clinical settings. They examine asymmetry, border irregularities, color changes, diameter, and overall evolution. A gerontologist named Sam Cradduck added that small physical shifts carry weight. She stated that a millimeter difference can be a critical indicator.

Skin cancer does not limit itself to sun-exposed areas like the face or arms. Rogers warned that the disease can manifest in concealed locations. Patients should examine behind the ears, between the toes, and underneath the nails. She recommended professional exams or assistance from another person to inspect the scalp and other hard-to-see areas.

The appearance of these lesions can be deceptive. Rogers described them as not always looking scary, which makes them dangerous. Aging expert Amy O’Rourke shared her own experience. She visited a dermatologist for a brown spot on her cheek. A full-body scan revealed squamous cell cancer on top of her head. She subsequently underwent surgery.

Aging well coach Katherie Ambrose described her recent actions. She located a dermatologist and underwent a full-body scan. Her husband received the same examination. These personal examples align with the medical advice to monitor the entire surface of the body.

Risk factors combine genetic and environmental elements. Rogers identified fair skin, age, and family history as primary contributors. O’Rourke stated that approximately three-quarters of her family has a history of skin cancer. When asked if the risk is purely genetic or environmental, Rogers responded that it is probably both.

Sun protection requires attention to invisible light sources. Rogers warned that UVA and UVB light passes through glass. Melanoma is often linked to intense, intermittent sunburns. She noted that this type of cancer spreads very quickly. Squamous cell and basal cell cancers often present as pinkish, itchy sores rather than dark moles.

Sunscreen remains necessary for all skin tones. Rogers addressed the myth that African Americans do not need protection. She confirmed that sunscreen protects against damage to cells and DNA. In addition to topical application, sun-protective clothing such as rash guards, UV clothing, and wide-brimmed hats offer further defense.