As Georgia shakes off winter’s chill and daylight hours stretch longer, Alpharetta residents naturally start spending more time outdoors. Weekend hikes, soccer games, golf rounds, and patio brunches beckon—and your skin is about to face significantly more UV exposure than it has in months. Before you dive into spring activities, there’s one appointment that deserves a spot on your calendar: a comprehensive skin cancer screening.

At Spectrum Dermatology of Atlanta, Dr. Susan Spitzler and Dr. Emma Murad recommend that patients think of March as the perfect opportunity to assess their skin’s health. You’re emerging from a season of relatively reduced sun exposure, making it easier to identify changes that occurred over winter. And you’re ahead of the intense Georgia summer sun that can make early detection more challenging and treatment timing less convenient.

The Numbers That Should Get Your Attention

Skin cancer remains the most common cancer in the United States, with more cases diagnosed each year than all other cancers combined. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Georgia’s sunny climate and active outdoor culture place residents at particular risk.

What makes these statistics especially concerning is that skin cancer is also one of the most preventable and—when caught early—most treatable cancers. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, has a 99% five-year survival rate when detected before it spreads. That survival rate drops dramatically once the cancer advances to lymph nodes or distant organs.

Early detection isn’t just statistically important—it’s personally transformative. A small, easily removed lesion versus extensive surgery and treatment represents dramatically different patient experiences. The twenty minutes you spend in a dermatologist’s office could genuinely change your life.

What Happens During a Professional Skin Screening

If you’ve never had a comprehensive skin exam, knowing what to expect can ease any hesitation. At Spectrum Dermatology of Atlanta, the process is thorough yet comfortable, designed to catch what you might miss while minimizing any awkwardness.

During your screening, Dr. Spitzler or Dr. Murad will systematically examine your entire body surface, including areas you rarely see yourself: your scalp, between your toes, the backs of your legs, and your back. They’re looking for the “ugly ducklings”—spots that look different from your other moles—as well as lesions showing concerning characteristics.

The dermatologists use dermatoscopy, a specialized tool that illuminates and magnifies skin lesions, revealing structures invisible to the naked eye. This technology helps distinguish harmless spots from potentially dangerous ones with greater accuracy than visual inspection alone.

If anything appears suspicious, the next steps depend on the specific finding. Some spots warrant monitoring over time, with photographs documenting their appearance for comparison. Others may need a simple biopsy—a quick, minimally invasive procedure that provides definitive answers about whether cells are cancerous.

Why Your Self-Checks Aren’t Enough

Monthly self-examinations absolutely matter. Knowing your skin and noticing changes between professional screenings can catch problems earlier. But self-exams have significant limitations that make professional screenings irreplaceable.

You simply cannot see large portions of your own body without assistance. Your back, the back of your neck, your scalp, and behind your ears harbor prime real estate for skin cancers—and you likely never look at these areas. Even with a partner’s help, untrained eyes miss subtle changes that experienced dermatologists recognize immediately.

Professional dermatologists also understand that not all concerning lesions look obviously abnormal. Some early melanomas appear as unremarkable brown spots. Basal cell carcinomas might resemble minor irritations or pimples that won’t heal. Squamous cell carcinomas can masquerade as rough patches or persistent sores. Dr. Spitzler and Dr. Murad, both board-certified dermatologists with combined decades of experience, have trained extensively to recognize these deceptive presentations.

Who Needs Screening—and How Often

While everyone benefits from periodic skin cancer screenings, certain factors elevate your risk and may warrant more frequent examinations:

• Fair Skin: People with lighter skin, blonde or red hair, and blue or green eyes produce less protective melanin
• History of Sunburns: Even sunburns from decades ago—especially blistering burns in childhood—increase lifetime risk
• Extensive Sun Exposure: Outdoor occupations, frequent golfing, boating, or other outdoor hobbies accumulate UV damage over time
• Tanning Bed Use: Indoor tanning dramatically increases skin cancer risk, particularly for melanoma
• Many Moles: Having 50 or more moles increases melanoma risk
• Family History: Skin cancer, especially melanoma, runs in families
• Personal History: Previous skin cancer significantly increases the likelihood of developing another
• Weakened Immune System: Organ transplant recipients and others with compromised immunity face elevated risk
• Certain Medications: Some drugs increase photosensitivity and associated risks

Dr. Spitzler and Dr. Murad can help determine the appropriate screening frequency based on your individual risk profile. For many patients, annual screenings provide adequate surveillance. Those with higher risk factors may benefit from more frequent examinations.

Spring Preparation Goes Beyond Screening

While your screening appointment provides an excellent opportunity to assess your skin’s current state, it’s also the perfect time to discuss sun protection strategies for the active months ahead.

The dermatologists at Spectrum Dermatology of Atlanta can recommend appropriate sunscreen formulations for your skin type, advise on proper application techniques (most people apply far too little), and suggest sun-protective clothing and behaviors that reduce exposure without keeping you indoors.

This is also an ideal time to address any sun damage accumulated over previous years. Treatments for precancerous actinic keratoses, age spots, and uneven pigmentation work best before summer sun complicates healing and protection. Starting treatment now means you’ll enjoy the results throughout summer rather than waiting until fall.

The Emory Healthcare Network Advantage

Spectrum Dermatology of Atlanta operates as a member of the Emory Healthcare Network, connecting patients to one of the Southeast’s premier academic medical systems. This affiliation means that if any screening findings require advanced treatment, you have seamless access to comprehensive cancer care resources.

Both Dr. Spitzler and Dr. Murad completed their dermatology residencies at Emory University, training under leading experts in skin cancer detection and treatment. Dr. Spitzler brings over twenty years of experience in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, while Dr. Murad’s research background at Emory’s Department of Biochemistry and Pathology adds scientific depth to her clinical expertise. Both physicians are Diplomates of the American Board of Dermatology and Fellows of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Schedule Your Spring Screening Today

Don’t wait until a suspicious spot demands attention. Proactive screening catches problems when they’re smallest, most treatable, and least likely to disrupt your life. As you plan spring break trips, outdoor celebrations, and summer activities, add this simple appointment to your preparation list.

Contact Spectrum Dermatology of Atlanta at (470) 731-8010 or schedule online to book your comprehensive skin cancer screening. Our Alpharetta office at 1725 Windward Concourse, Suite 120, serves patients throughout the Greater Atlanta Metro area, including Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell, and surrounding communities. Your skin has protected you through another Georgia winter—now it’s time to return the favor.