Derm Access Program

A program designed to increase accessibility of skin cancer screenings, allowing suspicious lesions to be evaluated within 72 hours.

There is a shortage of board-certified dermatologists so the wait time to be seen can be lengthy coupled with the increase in the incidence of skin cancers diagnosed annually. If you have a patient with a lesion that is changing or of concern, we know it can be troubling to wait to be seen. Early detection is key to successfully treating skin cancer.

Any patient with a lesion that is growing or evolving. If your patient has a mole or spot that is bleeding, not healing, changing, growing in size or color, or a previous skin cancer diagnosis and the lesion is reminiscent of what they have had before, patients can call and be worked in to be seen as a priority.

• Skin tone: Skin cancer can affect anyone regardless of skin color, however, those with lighter skin tones have less melanin to protect them against UV radiation, making them more prone to developing skin cancers.
• Sunburns: Sun damage is cumulative, therefore experiencing repeated sunburns can exponentially increase the risk for skin cancer. Even one blistering sunburn in your lifetime can double the risk of developing melanoma.
• Lifetime sun exposure: Extended or regular exposure to UV radiation (working outdoors, tanning regularly, etc.) is a big risk factor for skin cancer.
• Climate: Living in sunny areas or places with a high-altitude can increase the intensity of UV radiation and, therefore, your risk for cancer.
• Moles and freckles: People who have numerous moles and freckles, especially abnormal moles, are at greater risk.
• Health history: A personal or family history of skin cancer increases future risk.
• Exposure to certain substances: Radiation, chemicals, and toxins can increase the risk of skin cancer, especially for people who regularly work with potential carcinogens (arsenic, industrial tar, etc.).
• Weakened immune systems: Organ transplant recipients and those who have immune suppression due to poor health, chronic immune conditions, or certain medication usage may be at an increased risk.