When we talk about skin cancer, we’re not just talking about a sunburn gone too far—we’re talking about the most common type of cancer in the United States. And while it’s often preventable, it’s also something many people overlook until it’s too late.
Let’s break down what skin cancer really is, the types you should know about, and how to protect yourself and your loved ones by spotting the signs early.
Cancer, in general, is the result of abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth. Under normal circumstances, our DNA functions like an instruction manual for our cells, guiding when they should grow, divide, repair, or die off. But when that DNA becomes damaged, those instructions can become scrambled. This can cause cells to multiply uncontrollably, grow in places they shouldn’t, or behave in ways that disrupt the body’s normal function.
When this abnormal growth happens in the skin, it’s referred to as skin cancer. Damage to the skin’s cellular DNA is often the result of long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation—either from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. UV radiation can penetrate the skin and alter the DNA within skin cells, triggering mutations that may lead to cancer.
However, sun exposure isn’t the only contributing factor. Genetics can also play a role—if you have a family history of skin cancer or certain inherited traits, your risk may be higher. Exposure to environmental toxins like arsenic, air pollution, or certain chemicals can also increase your risk. And individuals with weakened immune systems—due to health conditions or immunosuppressive medications—may have a harder time repairing DNA damage, making them more susceptible to developing cancer.
Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin tone, age, or lifestyle, which is why awareness, prevention, and early detection are so important.
There are three primary forms of skin cancer, and while some are more dangerous than others, all should be taken seriously:
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It usually presents as a pearly white or flesh-colored bump and often develops on areas of the body that get a lot of sun, such as the face, ears, and neck. Although BCC grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, it can become locally invasive. If left untreated, it may grow deeper into surrounding tissues and cause disfigurement, especially in sensitive or visible areas.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer. It often appears as a rough, red, scaly patch or an open sore that doesn’t heal. Like BCC, SCC is most commonly found on sun-exposed parts of the body, including the scalp, hands, and lips. However, SCC tends to be more aggressive than BCC and carries a greater risk of spreading to nearby lymph nodes or other organs if it’s not diagnosed and treated early.
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer due to its potential to spread rapidly to other organs. It begins in the melanocytes—the cells that produce pigment in the skin—and often appears as a dark mole or freckle that changes in size, shape, or color over time. Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, not just in sun-exposed areas, and it may even arise in an existing mole. Because it can metastasize quickly, early detection is critical for improving outcomes and survival rates.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to identify possible skin cancers—especially melanoma—is to remember the ABCDEs of Skin Cancer:
A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole or spot doesn’t match the other.
B – Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred. Think of an outline like the state of North Carolina, rather than a perfect circle.
C – Color: A healthy mole is usually one solid shade. Cancerous spots may have multiple shades of brown, black, red, white, or even blue.
D – Diameter: Anything larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser) should be evaluated, especially if it’s growing.
E – Evolving: Watch for moles or spots that change in size, shape, color, or texture—or new ones that suddenly appear. If something on your skin has you saying, “Hmm, I don’t remember that,” it’s worth a closer look.
The good news? When caught early, most skin cancers are highly treatable. That’s why monthly self-exams and annual skin checks with a dermatologist are essential—especially if you have a history of sun exposure or a family history of skin cancer.
Take a few minutes each month to check your skin head-to-toe, including often-overlooked areas like your scalp, ears, back, and between your toes.
An annual visit to a board-certified dermatologist provides a professional assessment that may catch suspicious spots you can’t see—or might not think twice about. Dermatologists are trained to recognize the subtle signs of skin cancer early on, often before symptoms appear or changes are noticeable. These routine visits can lead to earlier diagnoses, less invasive treatments, and significantly better outcomes. Think of it as one of the most important appointments you can make for your long-term health.
Skin cancer prevention isn’t complicated, but it does require consistency:
May is Melanoma Awareness Month, and we’re proud to support the cause by helping our patients make smarter skincare choices.
If you haven’t already, join us in taking the Colorescience “Take the Pledge”—a commitment to wear sunscreen every day, year-round. Because protecting your skin isn’t just a summer thing—it’s a forever thing.
And through June, we’re making it easier than ever to switch to safer sunscreen. Bring in any old sunscreen (expired or otherwise) and receive a $20 credit toward a mineral, medical-grade sunscreen in our office. It’s part of our “Trade Up Your Sunscreen” event, and it’s a great way to upgrade your protection while supporting your skin’s long-term health.