Longer days. Warmer skies. Sleeveless outfits.
Summer’s nearly here—and that means more time outside. But before soaking up the sun, there’s one crucial step many people skip: a skin cancer check.

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. The good news? It’s also one of the most treatable—if caught early. And that’s where routine skin checks come in.
In places like Australia or Southeast Asia, where the sun shines bright nearly all year, dermatologists see a spike in visits just before the hot season. If you’re based in Asia, now’s the time to book an appointment with a dermatologist in Singapore. And if there’s a suspicious spot that needs extra attention, Mohs surgery might be the next best step for accurate removal.
Let’s take a closer look at why timing matters—and why getting checked before summer could make all the difference.
The Importance of Pre-Summer Skin Checks
Think of a pre-summer skin check as a seasonal tune-up. Just like you service your car before a road trip, your skin needs a once-over before serious sun exposure.
Sun damage accumulates over time. Winter doesn’t erase that. If a mole has changed or a new mark has appeared since last year, it needs checking now—before those summer rays give it a chance to worsen.
Early detection can:
- Catch cancer before it spreads
- Prevent invasive procedures
- Increase survival rates
- Save time and money later on
A 15-minute check might save your life.
What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer happens when abnormal cells grow out of control in the skin. Most are caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.
It can show up as a sore that won’t heal. Or a mole that looks a little off. Sometimes, it hides in plain sight.
Left untreated, some forms can spread to other organs. That’s why routine checks matter.
Types of Skin Cancer
There are three main types:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common. Slow-growing and rarely spreads, but can damage nearby tissue if ignored.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): More likely to grow deeper and spread if not caught early.
- Melanoma: The most dangerous. It can spread fast and become life-threatening, even in young adults.
Each type looks different. That’s why professional screening is key.
Risk Factors
Some people are more at risk than others. Here’s what increases your chances:
- Fair skin, freckles, or red/blond hair
- A history of sunburns
- Family history of skin cancer
- Tanning bed use
- Lots of moles or unusual-looking spots
- Working outdoors
Even if you don’t check all the boxes, UV exposure still adds up. No one’s immune.
The ABCDEs of Skin Cancer Detection
Dermatologists use this simple guide to spot signs of melanoma. You can use it at home, too.
- Asymmetry: If one half of the mole doesn’t match the other, that’s a red flag.
- Border Irregularity: Normal moles have smooth, even edges. Uneven, jagged, or scalloped borders? Get it checked.
- Color Variations: More than one shade—brown, black, red, even blue or white—could point to melanoma.
- Diameter Greater Than 6mm: That’s about the size of a pencil eraser. Bigger than that? Time for a professional opinion.
- Evolving Characteristics: Moles that change in shape, size, or feel are warning signs. So are new symptoms like itching or bleeding.
Why Schedule a Skin Check Before Summer?
Because waiting until after summer might be too late.
The more sun exposure, the higher the risk. And summer’s when you’re likely to:
- Wear less clothing
- Stay outside longer
- Forget sunscreen here and there
- Sweat off protection more easily
A skin check now sets the baseline. If anything changes after months in the sun, it’ll be easier to spot and address quickly.
Plus, early summer is less hectic in many dermatology clinics. You’ll likely get an appointment faster.
What to Expect During a Skin Cancer Screening
It’s simple. It’s painless. And it doesn’t take long.
Here’s what usually happens:
- A nurse or dermatologist will ask about your medical history.
- You’ll change into a gown.
- They’ll check your entire body—from scalp to soles.
- If they see something suspicious, they might use a dermatoscope (a magnifying tool).
- Sometimes, they’ll do a small biopsy. That means numbing the area and removing a sample.
Done in less than an hour. Peace of mind for the whole summer.
Protective Measures Against Skin Cancer
Even if your skin check comes back clear, prevention is still the best protection.
- Use Sunscreen Daily
Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. It blocks both UVA and UVB rays, which cause aging and sunburn. Apply it 20 minutes before heading outside, and reapply every two hours—especially if you’re swimming or sweating.
- Cover Up
Clothing is one of the simplest barriers between your skin and the sun. Go for tightly woven fabrics, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Long sleeves might feel warm, but breathable materials make it manageable.
- Avoid Peak UV Hours
That’s usually 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun is strongest. If you’re out during those times, try to stick to shaded areas or bring your own shade, like a beach tent or umbrella.
- Skip the Tanning Beds
Indoor tanning beds emit UV radiation that can be just as harmful, sometimes worse, than natural sunlight. Studies link them directly to an increased risk of melanoma, especially with early or frequent use.
- Check Your Skin Monthly
Routine self-checks can help you spot changes early. Use a mirror for hard-to-see areas, and don’t forget spots like your scalp, back, and soles. Take notes or photos to track anything new or changing.
Make It a Seasonal Habit
Just like getting your eyes checked or teeth cleaned, skin checks should be part of your routine.
Think of it as a summer prep step—right next to booking that beach trip or pulling out your warm-weather wardrobe.
If you’re overdue for a checkup, now’s the time. Before that mole turns into something more serious. Before the summer sun does its damage.
One appointment. One decision. It could make all the difference.
Get checked. Stay safe. Enjoy the sunshine!