{"id":10619,"date":"2026-05-05T09:00:59","date_gmt":"2026-05-05T15:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=10619"},"modified":"2026-05-05T16:33:51","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T22:33:51","slug":"skin-cancer-screening-the-rules-have-changed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/skin-cancer-screening-the-rules-have-changed\/","title":{"rendered":"Skin cancer screening: The rules have changed"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Phil
Phil Sheridan gets ready to head down into the Grand Canyon. As an adult, he’s well aware of the danger of sun exposure and the importance of seeing a dermatologist for skin cancer screenings. Photo courtesy of Phil Sheridan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sunblock had not been around that long when Phil Sheridan grew up, and in those days, there wasn\u2019t a lot of awareness about the importance of protecting skin<\/a> from harmful UV rays.<\/p>\n

\u201cI used to start the summer with a burn to get that tan going,\u201d Sheridan said.<\/p>\n

But as he got older, his perspective changed \u2014 as did his skin.<\/p>\n

Sheridan knew that his lack of skin care in his younger days, combined with his fair complexion and Irish descent, meant he had a predisposition for skin cancer. He\u2019d actually had a few spots removed in the past by his primary care doctor.<\/p>\n

That was almost two decades \u2014 and several dozen cancerous growths \u2014 ago.<\/p>\n

Benefits of annual skin cancer screening<\/strong><\/h2>\n

With Colorado\u2019s altitude, sunny days and so many active people enjoying the incredible outdoors, paying attention to the sun\u2019s effects on our skin is critically important. And seeing a dermatologist for regular skin cancer screenings can be a lifesaver.<\/p>\n

\"Dr.
Dermatologist Dr. Andrew Kalajian screens Phil Sheridan for skin cancer. Photo: UCHealth Aspen Club.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are four types of skin cancer<\/a>: actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Most people have heard of melanoma<\/a>, as it is the most dangerous of skin cancers. The most common is basal cell carcinoma, which a local dermatologist found during Sheridan\u2019s first screening.<\/p>\n

Luckily for Sheridan, non-melanoma skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis, and squamous cell carcinoma) are highly curable, according to Dr. Miho Scott, <\/a>a medical oncologist and hematologist who sees patients at UCHealth Cancer Care and Hematology Clinic – Harmony Campus.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cThe best way to detect skin cancer early is to recognize new or changing skin growths, particularly those that look different from other moles,\u201d she said. \u201cAll major areas of the skin should be examined regularly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although Sheridan evaluated his own skin, he realized the benefits of having a dermatologist conduct the screening and follow up on any concerns.<\/p>\n

UCHealth Oncologist and Hematologist Dr. Ross McFarland<\/a> said that non-melanoma skin cancer occurs in areas where the skin has been consistently or severely exposed to the sun, such as the head and neck, shoulders, forearms and backs of the hands. Melanoma can occur in other places, such as between the toes or upper thighs \u2013 areas not normally exposed to the sun. McFarland also sees patients at UCHealth Cancer Care and Hematology Clinic – Harmony Campus.<\/p>\n

Anyone with a family history of skin cancer, a large number of dark moles<\/a> (greater than 50), or a history of an atypical mole should get checked annually by a trained health care provider, he said. Someone with a personal history of skin cancer should continue to monitor their own skin throughout the year.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s helpful to have a loved one, spouse or friend help because you can\u2019t see everything, such as your back, but what you can see, you should look for those ABCDEs,\u201d McFarland said.<\/p>\n

ABCDEs of skin cancer screening<\/strong><\/h2>\n