As this year comes to a close and a new one begins, it is time for reflection and goal setting. If you have had any type of skin cancer or even a skin cancer scare, you may have some anxiety over the New Year. You may worry that your skin cancer will come back and how you can prevent this from happening. This worry is not unfounded as the research shows that once you have had any type of skin cancer, the chance of recurrence is always there. Some skin cancer experts say that you are 40 percent more likely to develop a new skin lesion if you have had a previous diagnosis of skin cancer as compared to those who have never had skin cancer.

Those having pre-cancerous lesions such as actinic keratosis or atypical moles may also be at a greater risk for developing skin cancer in the future. So it is imperative that you take some precautions to prevent the development and recurrence of skin cancer. And we are here to help.

Here are five New Year’s goals for anyone who has a history of being diagnosed with either skin cancer or pre-cancerous moles and lesions:

1. Get thee to a dermatologist.

If you have been diagnosed with any type of skin cancer or have had moles or lesions removed, your doctor will have undoubtedly set up a schedule for you to come in to have your skin checked on a regular basis. Depending upon the severity of your skin cancer, your doctor may set up appointments for you to be seen every several months to a minimum of once a year. It may seem like an inconvenience to go but don’t brush off these appointments as they could save your life.

It is also important that you get a regular skin exam by a dermatologist and not just your regular practitioner. A dermatologist has been trained specifically to identify the first signs of skin cancer whereas your regular doctor may miss these early signs. In an article entitled, "Three Point Check List of Dermoscopy. A new screening method for early detection of melanoma" the author suggests that GP's "get it right" only 60% of the time, meaning that they sometimes have difficulty with identifying pre-cancerous or cancerous skin growths and moles.

2. Make it a habit to use sunscreen regardless of the weather.

The best way to make sure that you use sunscreen is to make a daily habit just like brushing your teeth. Make sure to cover any exposed skin any time you venture outside regardless if it is a summer day or an overcast wintry day. In my previous post about winter skin cancer prevention tips, I cite statistics from The Skin Cancer Foundation which tell us that between 50 and 80 percent of UV rays can still penetrate through the clouds. Remember to re-apply your sunscreen every two hours as it will wear off. Most skin care experts recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more and particularly if you are at high risk for developing skin cancer.

3. Check your skin regularly for suspicious moles or lesions.