Living in Central Texas means enjoying over 220 sunny days per year — and that comes with a real cost to your skin. Texas consistently ranks among the top states for skin cancer diagnoses, and here in the New Braunfels area, outdoor activities like tubing the Comal, hiking at Landa Park, and weekend barbecues mean cumulative sun exposure adds up fast. A professional skin cancer screening with a board-certified dermatologist is one of the simplest and most effective ways to catch skin cancer early, when treatment is most successful.
At Elect Dermatology, Dr. Hockley and Dr. Stahr provide thorough skin cancer screenings for patients of all ages at our New Braunfels office. Whether you have a suspicious mole that has been bothering you or you are due for your annual skin check, here is everything you need to know about the process.
Why Skin Cancer Screening Matters
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting one in five Americans by age 70. The good news is that when detected early, the five-year survival rate for melanoma is approximately 99 percent. That number drops significantly when the cancer has time to spread.
The challenge is that many skin cancers do not cause pain or obvious symptoms in their early stages. Basal cell carcinoma might look like a small pearly bump. Squamous cell carcinoma can resemble a rough, scaly patch. Even melanoma — the most dangerous form — can initially appear as nothing more than an unusual mole. A trained dermatologist can spot these subtle changes that most people would overlook.
Who Should Get a Skin Cancer Screening?
While anyone can develop skin cancer, certain factors increase your risk. You should prioritize regular screenings if you have any of the following risk factors:
Sun exposure history. If you have spent significant time outdoors without consistent sun protection — and living in New Braunfels, most of us have — your cumulative UV exposure increases your risk. This includes sunburns during childhood and adolescence.
Fair skin, light hair, or light eyes. People with lighter skin tones produce less melanin, which provides some natural protection against UV radiation. However, skin cancer can affect people of every skin tone.
Family or personal history. If a close family member has been diagnosed with skin cancer, or if you have had skin cancer before, your risk is higher. A history of atypical moles also warrants closer monitoring.
Age over 50. While skin cancer can occur at any age, the risk increases as you get older due to accumulated sun damage over the years. Adults over 50 should have annual skin checks as a baseline.
Frequent use of tanning beds. Even occasional tanning bed use significantly increases the risk of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
Outdoor occupation or lifestyle. Ranchers, construction workers, coaches, lifeguards, and anyone who spends extended time outside in the Texas sun should be especially vigilant.
Even if none of these risk factors apply to you, an initial baseline screening is a smart investment in your long-term health.
What to Expect During a Skin Cancer Screening at Elect Dermatology
Many patients put off skin screenings because they are unsure what the appointment involves. The reality is that it is one of the simplest medical exams you can have.
The exam takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Your dermatologist will perform a systematic head-to-toe examination of your skin, including areas you might not think to check yourself — your scalp, behind your ears, between your toes, and your back.
It is a visual examination. In most cases, your dermatologist uses their trained eye and a dermatoscope — a specialized magnifying instrument with a light — to closely examine moles, spots, and lesions. No blood work or needles are involved.
You can point out concerns. If there is a specific spot that has been changing, growing, itching, or bleeding, let your dermatologist know. This helps them give extra attention to areas that worry you.
If something looks suspicious, a biopsy may be recommended. A biopsy is a quick, in-office procedure where a small sample of skin is removed and sent to a lab for analysis. It sounds more intimidating than it is — most patients describe it as a minor pinch. Results typically come back within one to two weeks.
You will leave with a plan. Whether everything looks normal or something needs follow-up, your dermatologist will discuss the findings with you and recommend a screening schedule going forward.
The ABCDE Rule: What to Watch for Between Screenings
Professional screenings are essential, but you should also monitor your own skin between appointments. The ABCDE rule is a helpful guide for evaluating moles and spots:
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 uniform. You might see shades of brown, black, pink, red, white, or blue within the same mole.
D — Diameter. The mole is larger than 6 millimeters across, roughly the size of a pencil eraser, though melanomas can sometimes be smaller.
E — Evolving. The mole is changing in size, shape, color, or elevation, or a new symptom such as bleeding, itching, or crusting has appeared.
If you notice any of these warning signs, do not wait for your next scheduled screening. Call our office at (833) 353-2875 to schedule an evaluation promptly.
Why Choose a Board-Certified Dermatologist for Your Screening
You might wonder whether your primary care doctor can perform a skin cancer screening during your annual physical. While general practitioners can do a basic skin check, board-certified dermatologists have completed years of specialized training focused specifically on skin conditions and diseases. Studies have shown that dermatologists are significantly more accurate at detecting melanoma and other skin cancers compared to non-dermatology physicians.
Dr. Hockley and Dr. Stahr at Elect Dermatology are both board-certified dermatologists with decades of combined experience diagnosing and treating skin cancer. When it comes to something as important as cancer detection, having a specialist evaluate your skin gives you the highest level of confidence in your results.
How Often Should You Get Screened?
The frequency of your screenings depends on your individual risk profile. As a general guideline:
For patients with no significant risk factors, an annual screening is a reasonable starting point. Your dermatologist may adjust this based on what they find during your initial exam.
For patients with elevated risk — such as a personal history of skin cancer, many atypical moles, or a strong family history — your dermatologist may recommend screenings every six months or even more frequently.
For patients who have had skin cancer treated, regular follow-up screenings are essential to monitor for recurrence and catch any new cancers early.
Your dermatologist will work with you to determine the right schedule based on your skin, your history, and your lifestyle.
Schedule Your Skin Cancer Screening in New Braunfels
If it has been more than a year since your last skin check — or if you have never had one — now is the time. Early detection is the single most important factor in successful skin cancer treatment, and a screening takes less time than most people spend waiting for their morning coffee.
Elect Dermatology is located at 2154 Gabriels Pl, Ste 103, New Braunfels, TX 78130. We are currently accepting new patients and offer same-week appointments for skin cancer screenings.
Call (833) 353-2875 to schedule your skin cancer screening today.
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