Prevention & skin examination 

A regular skin examination is particular important for preventing skin cancer.   

Anyone can suffer from skin cancer but the risk of getting this disease is not the same for everyone. The risk of developing skin cancer can be influenced by genetic factors and by our behaviour and other diseases. As an example, the following factors can play a role: 

• Lots of birthmarks, fair skin, freckles
• Sunburn as a child or adolescent
• Family history of skin cancer (parents or children)
• Outdoor job/activities (construction, sport)
• Drugs that suppress the immune response or HCT 

An examination takes around 20 minutes. After discussing any relevant details about your skin (sunburn, skin cancer in the family, etc), any skin changes are examined using a dermatoscope. Any skin changes are documented with photos or biopsied for further investigation in the lab. 

If the skin cancer is detected early, cells can be removed in our internal operating theatre by our specialist. Skin cancer preliminary stages (so-called actinic keratoses), which can become white skin cancer if left untreated, can be treated directly on site.  

Skin cancer is a disease which is very common in Switzerland. Estimates suggest that one in five people in higher age groups are affected. Even at a young age, parts of the skin which are commonly exposed to sunlight (e.g. face, decolletage, forearms or backs of the hands) are also vulnerable to the disease. Switzerland is one of the countries most affected by skin cancer.