04 Nov Why Fall Is the Best Time for a Mole Check
Summer brings sunshine, vacations, and plenty of time outdoors—but it also means months of UV exposure that can quietly damage your skin. Even with diligent sunscreen use, small changes in moles or new spots may appear, and autumn is the perfect season to take stock of your skin health. At RefinedMD, patients are encouraged to schedule a mole check as the weather cools, because catching problems early is the most effective way to protect against skin cancer.
Skin cancer remains the most common type of cancer in the United States, and melanoma—the most dangerous form—can develop rapidly if left unchecked. A quick and simple skin exam after the summer months provides reassurance while ensuring that any concerning spots are identified before they have time to progress.
The Risks of Melanoma and Skin Cancer
Melanoma accounts for only about one percent of all skin cancers, but it causes the vast majority of skin cancer deaths. The American Cancer Society estimates over 100,000 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2025, with thousands of related deaths each year. Unlike many cancers, melanoma can often be seen on the surface of the skin, giving patients and providers the chance to act early.
The prognosis for melanoma is excellent when detected promptly. In fact, the five-year survival rate for localized melanoma is over 99 percent, but this number drops significantly if the cancer spreads. This is why regular mole checks—especially after months of increased sun exposure—are so important.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Dermatologists often recommend remembering the ABCDEs of moles when performing self-checks at home.
- Asymmetry when one half of a mole looks different from the other
- Border irregularity with edges that appear jagged or blurred
- Color changes with multiple shades of brown, black, red, or even blue in one spot
- Diameter larger than six millimeters, roughly the size of a pencil eraser
- Evolving size, shape, or texture over time
While self-exams are a good practice, nothing replaces a professional mole check. Some skin cancers develop in ways that are subtle or hard to recognize without trained eyes.
Why Autumn Is the Right Time
Fall is an ideal season for a mole check because it follows months of heightened UV exposure. Whether you spent time hiking, swimming, or simply commuting under the sun, your skin has likely been more exposed than during the cooler months. Scheduling an exam now allows your provider to compare your current skin with baseline photos or previous visits, making it easier to catch even small changes.
Cooler weather also means any biopsies or treatments heal with less risk of additional sun damage. For patients, this translates to faster recovery and peace of mind heading into the holiday season.
A Simple Step with Big Impact
A mole check is one of the fastest and most straightforward medical appointments you can make, yet its benefits are lasting and life-saving. During the visit, your provider carefully examines your skin from head to toe, sometimes using dermatoscopes or other tools to look closely at suspicious spots. If something unusual is detected, a biopsy can often be done immediately with minimal discomfort and quick healing.
Patients are often surprised by how seamless the process is. What may seem like a small step can provide immense reassurance and, in some cases, prevent a dangerous cancer from developing further.
Make Skin Health a Priority
Annual mole checks are recommended for most adults, and even more frequent exams may be advised for those with risk factors such as fair skin, a history of sunburns, family history of skin cancer, or numerous moles. Think of it as part of your regular preventative care routine, much like visiting the dentist or getting a physical.
Being proactive about your skin health not only offers peace of mind but also ensures that if an issue does arise, it is treated early, simply, and effectively.
If you have not yet had your annual mole check, autumn is the perfect time to schedule one. Early detection saves lives, and protecting your skin today ensures peace of mind for tomorrow. Contact RefinedMD today to book your comprehensive mole check and safeguard your skin health.