Annual isn't enough if you are a high risk group as most of us are, especially if you are after age 40 you should go every 6-8 months. Melanoma can develop and metastasize in a matter of weeks.Also, people who have had nonmelanoma skin cancer have an elevated risk of later getting Melanoma.
the sad truth is that our survival rate will always be zero. Take precautions and get checked but sooner it later you are toast.
I have had about 30 basal cells removed, and 2 in situ melanomas. My dermatologist knows my body better than my wife! I'm there five six times a year. I wear a full body UV protective rashguard when I go to central america, and lots of sunscreen, havn't gotten burned there yet, all my sun damage was when I was a kid.
My derm wants to see me 4 times a year. Anymore pop up, more often. That's great your on top of it. My doc said same thing...burnt a lot when I was a kid.
