Skin Cancer Care at OhioHealth

Driven to detect skin cancer earlier

We deliver personalized screenings, treatment options and care plans that fit your specific risk factors or skin cancer. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, but it’s most curable when detected and treated early. That’s why regular self-examination and physician checkups can save your life.

Get in touch with a cancer specialist who can answer your questions and connect you to our cancer physicians, programs and services. Contact OhioHealth CancerCall Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM at (800) 752-9119.

It’s important to find skin cancer early

1 in 5

Americans will develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime

3,000

New cases of melanoma are diagnosed in Ohio each year*

90%

Five-year survival rate for melanoma

^{*Based on findings from the Ohio Department of Health}

Physician skin cancer screenings

A thorough, head-to-toe, baseline skin examination by a dermatologist is recommended for all adults to screen for skin cancer. OhioHealth dermatologists are specially trained to find existing skin cancers at their earliest and most treatable stages.

Based on their findings, you may need:

Ongoing mole and skin cancer evaluations.
A skin biopsy may be performed on suspicious skin lesions.
Education about reducing risk of skin cancer and avoiding a second skin cancer.

Skin cancer self-screening

Knowing the ABCDE warning signs of melanoma can help you find it early.

^{*For comparison, a new pencil eraser is about 5 millimeters wide.}

Steps of skin cancer self-screening

1.

Examine the front and back of your body in a mirror.

2.

Inspect the right and left sides of your torso, with arms raised.

3.

Check your arms. Bend your elbows and look carefully at your forearms, the backs of upper arms, and palms.

4.

Legs are next. Don’t forget the backs of your legs and feet, the spaces between your toes, and soles.

5.

Examine the back of neck and your scalp with a hand mirror. Part your hair as needed.

6.

Check your back and buttocks with a hand mirror.

Additional ways to prevent skin cancer

Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers. But these simple steps can lower your risk and protect loved ones:

Teach children and teens about sun protection.
Use sunscreen daily and reapply often. Choose a water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater.
Avoid sunburns.
Seek shade and limit sun exposure, especially during peak sun hours.
Wear protective clothing outdoors, like a hat and sunglasses.
Use extra caution near surfaces that reflect sunlight and increase your chances of sunburn, like water, sand, snow and concrete.
Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps.
Stop using tobacco products.
Examine your skin regularly for changes.
Schedule an annual skin screening with a dermatologist to detect skin cancer at its earliest and most curable stage.

Skin cancer treatments and specialists

If you develop skin cancer, your OhioHealth medical oncologist will work with your care team to determine and monitor the most effective treatment for you, which may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation oncology, and personalized targeted therapies. OhioHealth has several outpatient infusion centers throughout the state, giving you several convenient options your treatment.

Here for every step of your cancer journey

Our skin cancer patient navigators can connect you and your family to other valuable resources, like genetic counseling, survivorship services, clinical trials and financial support.