Regular skin exams can help find basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers early. Your skin cancer screening frequency depends on your risk level, personal and family history, and how much sun you get in daily life. Use this guide to plan screenings and know when to see a dermatologist sooner.
Why skin cancer screening frequency matters
- Early exams help catch changes before they progress.
- Dermatologists can track spots over time and advise on prevention steps like daily sunscreen use.
- UV exposure is a leading risk factor for nonmelanoma skin cancers, so routine checks support long-term skin health.
Skin cancer screening frequency by risk level
General guidance: most adults benefit from a full-body skin exam every 12 months. Your dermatologist may adjust your schedule based on the factors below.
| Risk level | Suggested frequency | Who this fits |
| Average risk | Every 12 months | No personal or family history, moderate sun exposure |
| Higher risk | Every 6 months | Fair skin, many sunburns, outdoor occupations, tanning bed use |
| High risk | Every 3–6 months | Personal history of skin cancer, numerous atypical moles, strong family history |
If you notice a new or changing spot, book a visit right away. You do not need to wait for the next scheduled exam.
When to see a dermatologist sooner
- A new growth that looks different from your other spots
- A sore that does not heal or keeps returning
- A scaly or crusted patch that bleeds easily
- A mole that changes in size, shape, or color
For help choosing a provider and getting ready for your appointment, you can review our Skin Cancer Resource Guide, which covers what to ask and how to prepare.
What happens during a screening
A full-body skin cancer screening typically takes 10 to 20 minutes. Your dermatologist may use a dermatoscope to study areas up close and might perform a quick biopsy if something needs confirmation. Most people return to normal activities immediately.
FAQ: Skin Cancer Screening Frequency
Many dermatologists recommend every 3 to 6 months for the first few years after treatment. After your exams have been clear for a while, your dermatologist may shift you to once-a-year visits.
Yes. Sunscreen helps reduce risk but does not remove it fully. Routine screenings remain important.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral or search for local clinics that offer preventive skin checks.
Any time is fine. Many people choose late summer or early fall to review changes after higher UV months.
Prevention that supports your screening plan
Build a daily routine: apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, reapply during at least every 2 hours during long outdoor time, and wear protective clothing. Learn more about UV exposure and steps to stay safe.
If a screening finds nonmelanoma skin cancer
For confirmed basal cell or squamous cell cancers, talk with your care team about treatment choices. Visit GentleCure.com to learn more about Image-Guided SRT (IGSRT), a non-surgical option that treats skin cancer at the surface while protecting healthy tissue. Compare options and see how IGSRT works here:
