As the weather cools and the days get shorter, sunscreen and skin checks may become less of a priority. Between fall hikes, football games, and everyday errands, it’s easy to assume your skin needs less protection once summer ends.
But skin cancer risk doesn’t disappear with the summer sun. At Vanguard Skin Specialists, our mission is to make a positive impact on our patients, our community, and our world. That includes helping patients understand their skin health, recognize concerning changes, and take steps toward early detection throughout the year.
Let’s clear up five common myths about skin cancer this fall.
Myth 1: You Don’t Need Sunscreen When It’s Cold or Cloudy
The truth: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can reach your skin even when temperatures drop or clouds cover the sky.
In Colorado, higher elevations allow more UV radiation to reach the skin. Combined with abundant sunshine and an active outdoor lifestyle, this can contribute to significant UV exposure throughout the year.
What you can do: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to exposed skin daily. Reapply every two hours when outdoors, and use protective clothing, sunglasses, and shade to help reduce UV exposure.
Myth 2: You Can’t Get Sun Damage Without a Sunburn
The truth: Sunburn is not the only sign of UV damage. Repeated exposure can contribute to skin damage over time, even when your skin doesn’t become red or painful.
Cumulative UV exposure is an important risk factor for skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
What you can do: Make sun protection part of your daily routine, even on cool fall mornings. Avoiding sunburn is important, but preventing unnecessary UV exposure throughout your life matters, too.
Myth 3: Skin Cancer Only Develops on Areas Exposed to the Sun
The truth: Although skin cancer commonly develops on sun-exposed areas, it can appear anywhere on the body.
Some spots may develop on areas that are difficult to see, including the scalp, back, and between the toes. Skin cancer can also affect people of all skin tones, not just those who burn easily.
What you can do: Be aware that skin cancer can develop in less obvious locations, including areas that receive little or no direct sun exposure. When checking your skin, remember to look beyond the areas you typically associate with sun damage.
Myth 4: If a Spot Doesn’t Hurt, It Isn’t Skin Cancer
The truth: Many skin cancers don’t cause pain or other noticeable symptoms in their early stages.
A spot that changes in size, shape, or color, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a growth that repeatedly bleeds or crusts over deserves attention. These changes don’t automatically mean cancer, but they shouldn’t be ignored.
What you can do: Contact a dermatology professional if you notice a new or concerning spot. Vanguard Skin Specialists offers the WOW Promise (Within One Week), a commitment to seeing patients with new or concerning spots within one week.
Myth 5: You Only Need a Skin Exam When You Notice Something Unusual
The truth: Self-checks and professional skin examinations serve different purposes. Monitoring your skin at home helps you become familiar with its appearance and recognize changes, while a professional examination allows a dermatology provider to evaluate areas you may not be able to see or identify yourself.
As part of Vanguard Skin Specialists’ standard of care, patients with concerning spots or a history of skin cancer are offered the opportunity to schedule a TBSE at the time of booking.
What you can do: Ask your dermatology provider how often you should have a TBSE based on your personal risk factors, including your skin cancer history, family history, and sun exposure.
Make Skin Health a Year-Round Priority
Fall is a good time to refresh your skin care habits and make sure you’re not overlooking your skin health as the seasons change. Daily sun protection can help reduce skin cancer risk, while regular self-checks and professional skin exams support early detection.
At Vanguard Skin Specialists, our dermatology team provides skin cancer evaluations, diagnosis, and treatment, including Mohs surgery when appropriate. We believe patients deserve timely, compassionate care and the information they need to make informed decisions about their health.
New or changing spots can warrant evaluation even when they are not painful.
Concerned about a spot or due for a skin exam? Schedule an appointment with Vanguard Skin Specialists.
