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NSAIFR: Does anyone see a dermatologist yearly?

Like a lot of people, I spent a lot of time in the sun when I was younger. I worked as a swim instructor for a few summers and did my share of tanning. I am now 30 and realize how stupid I was. I am blonde and fair skinned and have lots of moles and freckles. I have been seeing all of these articles and newstories about skin cancer. None of my moles appear to be changed or different. So I am thinking I should get checked out by a dermatologist. Does anyone else do this? Or am I just being a little crazy?
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Re: NSAIFR: Does anyone see a dermatologist yearly?

  • Actually, after Izzie Stevens was diagnosed with skin cancer on Grey's I made an appt to go to the derm.  Nothing had changed although I had noticed some new things while I was pregnant but I am planning on going annually from now on.  I think it is a good practice to get into.  Better safe than sorry!
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  • I Went for the first time this year and had a couple moles removed.  I plan on going yearly since skin cancer runs in my family.
  • I go yearly for Rosacea.  I had been seeing a dr who only treated the Rosacea and other issues that I brought up to him.  Last year I switched to a doctor closer to my home/work and she did a thorough exam.  I actually like the fact that while I have to watch some moles I have....she is also going to pay attention yearly.

    I don't think you are crazy.  I agree that it is better to be safe than sorry!

  • I have a history of skin cancer in my family AND I grew up in Florida, where the incidence is higher AND I'm fair-skinned--so I've been seeing a dermatologist regularly for years.  Better safe than sorry!
  • Yep-- I go yearly. Red hair, extremely fair skin. Didn't start going till I was about 28 or 29 though.
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  • I actually have to go twice a year now because of my history.  I am only 28 and I've had two skin cancer surgeries- one on my back that was pre-melanoma and one on my forehead that was BOTH basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.  My dermatologist said, "we just don't find these things on people your age, so you're gonna have to start coming in twice a year."  They also fit me in for an appt whenever I find a suspicious spot between regular appointments.

     My next appt. is in September and I've got a few spots I'm watching.  I also have an extensive family history of it and I'm fair, have freckles, and grew up in Florida, so I just try to stay on top of it as much as I can.

  • I do because of mild acne but also ask them to check any new sun spots/moles, etc. DH went recently for a skin check b/c of a bad burn last summer on vaca and a changing spot. I say it can't hurt to get checked and have peace of mind and get better educated on what to watch for yourself. Just remember if you watch them yourself to have your hubby check your back and other areas you can't see.
  • I got checked once a year and sometimes more often if I see a mole or freckle I don't like.  If I see any changes in moles I have I call right away and get in to see the dermo ASAP.  I have a least 1 -2 moles removed a year.  I have red hair and lots of freckles and moles.  I can tan eaisly (weird for a red head) and I worked at a tanning salon when I was in college.  I've had 2 pre cancerous moles removed from my legs.  My grandpa had skin cancer so I don't take any chances.  I don't avoid the sun but I do wear SPF 30 each time I go out and make sure it's in my face lotion that I use everyday (even in the winter).

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  • You're not crazy at all. You should have actually been monitored during your pregnancy because apparently moles can change during pregnancy. I'm going twice a year now because I have a history or irregular moles. Definitely get yourself checked out to be safe!
  • Nope, not crazy.  I've had two moles removed, and have two more that need to come off.  I get a full body check every year (I'm overdue now). 

    Something to keep in mind, make sure when you make the appointment that you tell them you need a full body check...some dermatologist offices don't do them...

  • It's better to be safe than sorry. The checks are quick and painless.

    I started going regulary for mole checks about 3 years ago. Not only was I a sun worshipper, but I had a tanning salon membership for 5 years in my late teens early 20's! So bad, but I did it anyway...

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