Definition
A screening is a preventive examination and serves for the early detection of risk factors and precursors of skin cancer.
General information
Since 2008, it has been possible throughout Germany from the age of 35 and every 2 years thereafter to have a comprehensive skin cancer screening performed. This is covered by the statutory health insurance. Of course, such a screening is also possible before, but then it has to be paid privately.
With some health insurance companies, the biennial screening is now also covered from the age of 20. The screening is carried out by a qualified family doctor, internist or dermatologist who has attended an advanced training course for skin cancer screening. Three forms of skin cancer and their precursors are examined: Skin cancer is becoming more and more common and is the most common cancer worldwide!
Detected early enough, but almost 100% of skin cancer cases are curable! This makes it all the more important to take advantage of the skin cancer screening service.
- Malignant melanoma (black skin cancer)
- Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Spinocellular carcinoma (the last two types are together called white skin cancer).
How should I prepare for skin cancer screening?
You should not wear nail polish on the day of the screening, because skin cancer can also develop on finger and toenails. Please do not wear any make-up, otherwise it is almost impossible for the doctor to detect early forms of skin cancer, especially on sun-stressed faces! You should not use elaborate hairstyles and only a little hair gel spray, as the scalp will also be examined.
In many practices you will receive a questionnaire in advance, which you should fill out and show to your doctor. You will be asked, for example, whether you have already suffered many sunburns, whether skin cancer has occurred in your family and similar. This will enable the doctor to make a rough estimate of how at risk you are for skin cancer.
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