Living in St. Petersburg means embracing a life lived under the sun. Our identity is woven with images of bright, cloudless days spent at Fort De Soto Park, boating on Tampa Bay, or enjoying dinner on a restaurant patio downtown. We proudly call this the "Sunshine City," and that abundant sunshine is a huge part of our quality of life.
But as a physician, I must emphasize that this incredible benefit comes with a profound responsibility. Our near-constant exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation puts us at a significantly higher risk for developing skin cancer. In fact, Florida has one of the highest rates of melanoma—the most dangerous form of skin cancer—in the United States.
The good news is that when caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable. Early detection is paramount, and that is achieved through a simple, two-part strategy: regular professional screenings and diligent monthly self-exams. This guide will explain why screenings are so vital, what you can expect during an exam, and how you can be a proactive partner in your own skin health.
The Sunshine City's Shadow: Understanding the Risk
Not all skin cancers are the same. It's helpful to know the three most common types:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common type. It often looks like a flesh-colored, pearl-like bump or a pinkish patch of skin. It grows slowly and rarely spreads.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): The second most common type. It may appear as a firm, red bump, a scaly patch, or a sore that heals and then re-opens.
- Melanoma: While the least common of the three, it is the most serious because it can spread to other organs if not treated early. It often develops in an existing mole or appears as a new, unusual-looking spot.
Here in Florida, the cumulative sun exposure over a lifetime is the number one risk factor for all three types.
The Two Pillars of Screening: A Partnership for Your Health
The most effective way to catch skin cancer early is through a partnership between you and your dermatologist. This involves an annual professional exam and your own monthly self-checks.
The Annual Professional Skin Exam: What to Expect
Every adult living in Florida should have a baseline full-body skin exam from a board-certified dermatologist, with follow-up exams scheduled annually or as recommended by your doctor. This is especially critical if you have risk factors like fair skin, a history of blistering sunburns, or a family history of skin cancer.
The exam itself is quick, simple, and painless:
- You will be asked to change into a medical gown.
- The dermatologist will visually inspect your entire body, from your scalp to the soles of your feet and between your toes.
- They will use a dermatoscope, a special handheld magnifying lens with a light, to get a closer look at any suspicious spots or moles.
- If they find a spot of concern, they may recommend a biopsy. This is a simple procedure where a small sample of the skin is removed (after numbing the area) and sent to a lab for analysis.
This professional check is vital because a trained eye can spot subtle changes and characteristics that are invisible to the average person.
Your Monthly Self-Exam: The First Line of Defense
A lot can change in a year, which is why your own monthly skin check is so important. This is often where skin cancers are first detected.
Perform your self-exam in a well-lit room using a full-length mirror and a hand mirror for hard-to-see areas like your back. The key is to learn the pattern of your own moles, freckles, and blemishes so you can spot anything new or changing. The most important tool for your self-exam is the ABCDEs of Melanoma.
Memorize the ABCDEs:
- A - Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half.
- B - Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
- C - Color: The color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, or patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
- D - Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (about the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can sometimes be smaller when first detected.
- E - Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, color, or elevation. Some melanomas also begin to bleed, itch, or crust.
Also, be on the lookout for the "Ugly Duckling" sign—any mole that looks noticeably different from the others on your body.
Beyond Screenings: A Florida-Focused Prevention Strategy
Screening is for detection, but prevention is always the best medicine.
- Daily Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every single day on all exposed skin. Reapply every two hours when outdoors, and more often if you've been swimming at St. Pete Beach or sweating.
- Seek Shade: Avoid direct sun exposure during the peak UV hours of 10 AM to 4 PM.
- Wear Protective Gear: A wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing (UPF) are your best friends. A long-sleeved rash guard is a perfect accessory for a day on the water.
- Never Use Tanning Beds: There is no such thing as a safe tan. Tanning beds dramatically increase your risk of melanoma.
Enjoy the Sun Safely and Responsibly
Living in the Sunshine City is a gift. You should absolutely enjoy the beautiful weather and outdoor lifestyle it affords. But that enjoyment comes with the responsibility of protecting your skin. By committing to an annual professional exam, conducting monthly self-checks, and practicing sun safety every day, you are taking the most important steps to ensure a long and healthy life in our sunny paradise.
