May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting approximately 1 in every 5 Americans, but it is also highly treatable when caught early. Understanding the different types of skin cancer, being aware of the symptoms, and performing regular skin self-exams can help detect changes before they become serious.
What Are the Three Main Types of Skin Cancer?
The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Each type looks and behaves differently.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It often develops on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, scalp, neck, and shoulders.
Basal cell carcinoma symptoms may include:
- A pearly or shiny bump
- A pink or flesh-colored growth
- A sore that won’t heal
- A spot that bleeds easily
- A scar-like flat area
- A patch that crusts or scabs repeatedly
Basal cell carcinoma usually grows slowly, but early detection is important to prevent tissue damage.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer. It also develops in sun-exposed areas and may grow faster than basal cell carcinoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma signs include:
- A rough, scaly patch
- A crusted or scabbed sore
- A wart-like growth
- A red, inflamed bump
- A sore that bleeds or doesn’t heal
- A tender or painful lesion
Squamous cell carcinoma can spread if left untreated, so early evaluation is important.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It can develop in an existing mole or appear as a new dark spot on the skin. Melanoma can spread quickly, which makes early detection critical.
Watch for the ABCDEs of melanoma:
- A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other
- B – Border: Irregular, jagged, or blurred edges
- C – Color: Multiple colors (brown, black, red, white, blue)
- D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (pencil eraser), though can be smaller
- E – Evolving: Changing in size, shape, color, or symptoms
What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?
Skin cancer can look very different from person to person, and not all skin cancers are dark. Some are pink, red, or skin-colored, which can make them easy to overlook. A suspicious lesion may appear as a new mole, a growing bump, a scaly patch, or a non-healing sore. Other skin cancers may look like a shiny spot, a flat red area, or a lesion with uneven borders. A spot that bleeds easily or repeatedly crusts and reopens is another common warning sign.
It’s also helpful to watch for the “ugly duckling” sign — a spot that looks different from all the others on your skin. Even subtle differences can be important, especially if a lesion is changing.
What Does Skin Cancer Feel Like?
Skin cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms, but it can sometimes be noticeable based on how it feels. Some skin cancers itch, while others may feel tender, painful, or sensitive. A lesion may burn, bleed, or develop a crust that keeps coming back. In some cases, a spot may simply feel different from the surrounding skin.
However, many skin cancers cause no discomfort at all. That’s why visual changes are often more important than symptoms. A spot that itches, bleeds, or won’t heal should still be evaluated, even if it seems minor
Who Is at Risk for Skin Cancer?
Anyone can develop skin cancer, but risk increases if you:
- Have fair skin
- Have light hair or light eyes
- Have a history of sunburns
- Use tanning beds
- Spend significant time outdoors
- Have many moles
- Have a family history of skin cancer
- Are over age 50
- Have a weakened immune system
That said, skin cancer affects people of all skin tones. Even individuals who rarely burn or who have darker skin can develop skin cancer, which is why routine skin checks are important for everyone.
How Can I Prevent Skin Cancer?
While not all skin cancers are preventable, reducing UV exposure can significantly lower your risk. Daily sun protection is one of the most effective ways to help prevent skin cancer and reduce long-term skin damage.
Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day is a key step. Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed skin, including the face, ears, neck, and hands, and reapplied every two hours when outdoors. Many people forget areas like the scalp, lips, and tops of the feet, which are also common locations for skin cancer.
Protective clothing can also make a big difference. Wide-brim hats, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing with a high UPF rating help block ultraviolet rays and provide consistent coverage throughout the day. Seeking shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest, can further reduce exposure.
Avoiding tanning beds is another important step. Indoor tanning significantly increases the risk of melanoma as well as basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. Even occasional use can contribute to cumulative UV damage over time.
Regular skin checks are also part of prevention. Monthly self-exams help you become familiar with your skin so you can spot changes early, and routine dermatology visits allow for professional skin cancer screenings. At Vanguard, we recommend annual total body skin exams (TBSEs). Early detection not only improves outcomes but can also reduce the need for more extensive treatment.
What Are the Treatment Options for Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer treatment depends on the type, size, depth, and location of the cancer, but most skin cancers are highly treatable when caught early.
The most common treatment is surgical removal, sometimes using Mohs surgery to precisely remove the cancer while preserving healthy tissue. Other options may include topical medications, freezing treatments, curettage and electrodesiccation, radiation therapy, or, in more advanced cases, immunotherapy or targeted medications. Your dermatology provider will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your specific diagnosis.
The Bottom Line: Early Skin Cancer Detection Saves Lives
Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early, and routine skin cancer screenings can make all the difference. Perform monthly skin self-exams, wear daily sunscreen, and schedule annual total body skin exams.
If you notice anything new, changing, bleeding, or not healing, don’t wait — have it checked. At Vanguard, we promise to see all concerning spots Within One Week. That’s the WOW Promise. Call us at 719-355-1585 to book a WOW appointment today.
Have another concern? Schedule an appointment online today! We can’t wait to see you.
