Did you know according to the CDC one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime?

Since my heart transplant in 2006, I’ve seen a dermatologist pretty regularly. Organ transplant patients are approximately 100 times more likely than the general public to develop squamous cell carcinoma, so it’s extremely important for me to get regular check-ups.

I know, I know. You’re like “I’m not on any meds, I don’t need a dermatologist.” But honestly, if you’ve ever been sunburned (or really ever stepped foot in the sun), you should get your skin checked once a year. Why? Here are three reasons why:

1. Prevention

Say you have a spot you’re unsure about but you shrug it off. A doc will probably be able to tell you if the spot is just a mole, or if it’s the start of something scary. Personally, I’ve had a few spots on my back removed because they looked questionable. I’d rather have them removed and be safe rather than catch them too late.

2. Acne

I’ll be 100 percent honest with y’all. I’ve never had major acne…until a few weeks ago. Remicade has ruined my immune system (even more than it was) and it was causing my face to breakout. I got some OTC products and this face washer, and it really helped clear it up. But if your acne isn’t getting better, it’s time to see a doctor who can help figure out if it’s hormonal, from medications or a different factor.

3. Sunburns

If you’ve ever been sunburned and have some questionable spots, it’s best to get them checked out. Also, if you notice you’re burning more or becoming more sensitive to the sun, get checked out. This can be a sign of something more serious.Obviously, I’m a huge endorser of sunscreen. It is so so so important! Especially for those of us that are as white as ghosts. Trust me, I’d LOVE to be tan, especially during the summer. But I know my skin isn’t made for it. I’ll stick to spray tans and layers of sunscreen.

But really, go see a dermatologist, especially if it’s been a few years!

Robinson, JK. Sun exposure, sun protection, and vitamin D. JAMA 2005; 294:1541-43.

Lindelof B, Sigurgeirsson B, Gabel H, Stern RS. Incidence of skin cancer in 5356 patients following organ transplantation. Br J Dermatol 2000; 143(3):513-9.