Getting a skin cancer screening isn’t something most of us put on our annual to-do list, but it should be, especially for those of us living in the Sunshine State.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. One in five Americans will develop it by age 70. But when found early, the five-year survival rate for melanoma is 99%.
That’s why screenings matter. They’re fast, painless, and can catch issues long before they become serious. Frieder Dermatology is the best place in Boca Raton and Palm Beach Gardens to book your screening today.
What a Skin Cancer Screening Looks Like
We offer full-body skin exams that are thorough but not invasive. Dr. Frieder is highly trained in medical dermatology and will start by reviewing your health history, assessing your risk factors, and then carefully examining your skin from head to toe.
You’ll be asked to undress and wear a medical gown. We check everywhere: scalp, back, arms, legs, feet, and hidden spots people often miss. If we find a mole or lesion that looks unusual, we might photograph it or take a quick biopsy.
Besides a full-body skin exam, we can also use tools like a dermatoscope (pictured above) and mole mapping for patients at higher risk. These help us spot changes invisible to the naked eye. In some cases, we use noninvasive imaging or biopsies to confirm a diagnosis.
Who Should Get Screened?
Everyone. But especially you if you:
- Have fair skin, light hair, or light eyes
- Have had sunburns, especially blistering ones
- Spent years in the sun without protection
- Used tanning beds
- Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
- Notice new or changing spots on your skin
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends annual screenings for all adults. You should also check your skin monthly at home. If you find anything new or changing, don’t wait, book an appointment.
We Catch It Early Then Guide You Through Next Steps
Dr. Jillian Frieder’s training in medical dermatology allows her to easily spot the signs of:
- Basal cell carcinoma (the most common skin cancer)
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Melanoma, the deadliest type
One of the most common noninvasive treatments we offer is GentleCure™ IG-SRT. It’s a painless, nonsurgical option that treats certain types of skin cancer without cutting or stitches. If it’s the right fit for you, we’ll schedule a follow-up quickly so you can get treated without delay.
Summer Skin Safety
Sun exposure is the biggest risk factor for skin cancer. With the gorgeous weather that we enjoy in South Florida, it’s easy to spend all day outside in the summer without realizing the damage.
That’s where simple habits make a big difference:
- Wear SPF 50 or higher and reapply every 2 hours
- Cover up with a hat and sunglasses
- Take breaks in the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Skip tanning beds altogether
This kind of prevention helps reduce your risk in the long term. If you need a refresher on what good summer protection looks like, review our Sunburn Protection Tips.
Why Choose Frieder Dermatology
We’ve been serving the Boca Raton community for over 20 years. Patients come to us because they want expert care without the runaround. Our team includes board-certified Boca Raton dermatologists who stay current on the latest evidence-based skin cancer screening techniques.
We know skin. We’ve caught cancers early in patients who thought their spots were harmless.
One of our patients shared, “You will feel genuine compassion and confidence in the care of Dr. Frieder. I cannot express enough how happy I am with my experience.”
Read our 5-star Google reviews for more patient success stories
When to Book
If it’s been more than a year since your last check or if you’ve never had one, now is the time.
Some signs to watch for:
- Moles that change in size, shape, or color
- New spots that look different from your other mole
- Sores that don’t heal after a few weeks
You don’t need to wait until something looks wrong. Most skin cancers are caught by our Boca Raton dermatologist during routine checks, not by patients noticing them on their own.
Book Your Skin Cancer Screening
There’s no downside to getting checked. It’s fast, informative, and could catch something early. Book a medical dermatologist appointment at our Boca Raton or Palm Beach Gardens office today. Click here or call us at (561) 210-7310. Healthy skin is closer than you think.
About Dr. Frieder
Dr. Jillian Frieder is a board-certified dermatologist providing cosmetic and medical dermatology services in Boca Raton and Palm Beach Gardens. A graduate with Distinction from Wayne State University and a member of Alpha Omega Alpha, she completed her dermatology residency at Baylor University Medical Center, where she served as Chief Resident.