May is Melanoma Awareness Month—and it’s no coincidence. As we head into sunnier days, it’s the ideal time to pause and check in on your skin health.
Even if everything looks normal, it’s still wise to have a baseline skin check once a year—especially before summer, when UV exposure tends to ramp up. Sun damage accumulates over time, even here in British Columbia and even on cloudy days.
This is your gentle nudge to book something many of us put off: an annual skin and mole check.
We stay on top of our dental cleanings, physicals, and eye exams—yet our skin, the body’s largest organ, is often overlooked. Melanoma and other forms of skin cancer are highly treatable when caught early, which is why prevention and early detection are key.
What happens during a skin check?
It’s simple, non-invasive, and typically takes less than 30 minutes.
To get started, you’ll need a referral from your Family Physician to see Dr. Malherbe, our Clinic Director and GP wsI Dermatology.
During your appointment, Dr. Malherbe will perform a full-body skin exam, checking moles, freckles, and marks for any changes or signs of concern. He uses a dermatoscope to take a closer look at anything that appears unusual. If needed, he can often remove suspicious spots right in the clinic the same day and send them for biopsy—or you can choose to schedule the removal at a later time.
It’s a quick, proactive step that can offer serious peace of mind.
Want to make it easy on your future self?
Add your annual skin check to your May to-do list—and step into summer feeling confident in your skin.