At least once a year for the rest of your life would be a general recommendation. Many dermatologists actually advise anyone who’s had a skin cancer to have a skin exam every 6 to 12 months. The exact frequency can depend on your personal history and risk factors. If the cancer we treated was your only one and you have otherwise minimal sun damage, an annual exam might suffice. If you have a history of multiple skin cancers, extensive sun damage, or pre-cancers (actinic keratoses), then every 6 months is prudent at least for a few years.
Let’s break it down: – First year after treatment: Often a check at around 6 months post-treatment, and again at 12 months. This is to ensure no early recurrence and to catch any new lesions. – Subsequent years: If all is well, many move to yearly skin checks. – High-risk patients: Those with a high risk might stick with every 6 months indefinitely. Risk factors include: having had multiple (3+) skin cancers, having had a melanoma, being immunosuppressed (e.g., organ transplant patients), a strong family history, etc.
It’s known that those who’ve had one basal or squamous cell carcinoma have a significant chance of developing another in the future due to underlying sun damage (around 40-50% in 5 years, as earlier noted). Regular skin checks help catch them early when they’re small and easily treated.
Moreover, the treated area from IG-SRT is at very low risk of recurrence, but we still check it at those visits to be safe.
During these checks, the dermatologist inspects your entire skin (scalp, face, trunk, limbs, etc.) for any suspicious lesions. If you notice anything new or changing between appointments, you should come in sooner rather than waiting for the next scheduled check.
Additionally, you’ll be reminded to practice monthly self-exams of your skin if possible, and certainly to report any new growths or changes you find.
In summary, expect to have regular skin exams at least annually after IG-SRT. This is a lifelong preventative care measure. It’s quite routine and quick and can save you a lot of trouble by catching anything new early. Our office, for example, usually schedules a follow-up plan for you and sends reminders. Good follow-up is part of comprehensive skin cancer care.
