Skin Cancer FAQs: What You Need to Know This Awareness Month

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Each year, millions of people are diagnosed with skin cancer—many of them unaware that a small spot, bump, or mole could signal something more serious. While skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early, the warning signs aren’t always obvious. That’s why awareness, prevention, and routine screenings play such a critical role in protecting your health.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to education and early detection. Whether you’ve never had a skin check or you’re closely monitoring a personal or family history, now is the perfect opportunity to learn what to look for, how to reduce your risk, and why regular visits to a trusted dermatologist can make all the difference.

What Are the Main Types of Skin Cancer?

There are three primary types of skin cancer, each with unique risks and characteristics:

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common form, often caused by cumulative sun exposure. It typically appears as a pearly or waxy bump and rarely spreads but can cause local tissue damage if untreated.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Often linked to long-term sun exposure, it may look like a firm red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface.
Melanoma: The most dangerous type, melanoma arises from pigment-producing cells and can spread quickly. It may develop in an existing mole or appear as a new dark spot.

What Are the Warning Signs of Skin Cancer?

Recognizing the early warning signs of skin cancer can make a significant difference in your outcome. One of the most effective tools for identifying potential melanomas is the ABCDE rule, which outlines the key features to watch for in moles or skin lesions:

Asymmetry: One half of the mole or spot doesn’t mirror the other.
Border: The edges are uneven, scalloped, or poorly defined.
Color: The color is inconsistent, with varying shades of brown, black, or even areas of pink, red, white, or blue.
Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters—roughly the size of a pencil eraser.
Evolving: The lesion is changing in any way, whether in size, shape, color, texture, or sensation, such as itching or bleeding.

While the ABCDEs are especially useful for spotting melanoma, they’re not the only signs to be aware of. Any new growth, persistent sore, or change in an existing mole should prompt a professional skin evaluation.

Is Skin Cancer Hereditary?

While most skin cancers are caused by environmental factors like sun exposure and UV radiation, genetics can also play a role. A family history of skin cancer—especially melanoma—can increase your personal risk, even if you’ve taken precautions with sun protection. Inherited conditions like familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome can also heighten your chances of developing skin cancer.

Genetic risk doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop skin cancer, but it does make proactive monitoring even more essential. If skin cancer runs in your family, your risk may be higher—making regular skin checks and professional exams even more essential. Knowing your family medical history and sharing it with your dermatologist allows for more personalized care and earlier interventions when needed.

Does Skin Cancer Itch?

Wondering if skin cancer can itch? While not the most common symptom, certain types—like basal or squamous cell carcinoma—can cause persistent itching or a burning sensation that won’t go away. These sensations are often overlooked or mistaken for harmless skin irritation.

If you notice a persistent itch, especially in a spot that looks or feels different from the surrounding skin, it’s worth getting it checked out. Itching alone isn’t a definitive indicator, but when combined with other changes like bleeding, crusting, or growth, it could signal something more serious.

How Can I Reduce My Skin Cancer Risk?

Preventing skin cancer starts with consistent, everyday habits that protect your skin from harmful UV radiation. While no method is foolproof, taking the right precautions can significantly lower your risk over time. Here’s how you can protect your skin:

Use Sunscreen Daily: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days.
Wear Protective Clothing: Hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves can shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
Seek Shade: Especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.
Avoid Tanning Beds: They emit UV radiation that increases skin cancer risk.
Regular Skin Checks: Perform monthly self-exams and schedule annual professional skin evaluations.

It’s important to note that sun damage accumulates, so even making small changes to your routine can have a lasting impact on your skin health.

Is Skin Cancer Curable?

When detected early, most types of skin cancer are highly curable. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, often respond well to treatment and rarely spread if addressed promptly. Melanoma, while more aggressive, also has a high survival rate when caught in its earliest stages.

The key to successful treatment is early detection and timely care. Regular skin exams, both at home and with a dermatologist, greatly increase the chances of identifying a suspicious spot before it becomes more serious. With today’s advanced treatment options and ongoing monitoring, many patients go on to live healthy, cancer-free lives.

What Should I Expect During a Skin Exam?

A professional skin exam is a straightforward and important part of maintaining your overall health. These exams are designed to catch early signs of skin cancer—often before you’ve noticed anything yourself. The process is non-invasive, typically takes less than 30 minutes, and is tailored to your individual health history and concerns.

Here’s what typically happens during a skin exam:

Medical History Review: Discuss your personal and family history of skin cancer, previous sun exposure, and any skin changes or concerns you’ve noticed.
Full-Body Examination: From your scalp to the soles of your feet, your dermatologist carefully checks your skin for moles, spots, or lesions that look irregular or out of place.
Documentation: If anything looks suspicious, it may be photographed and measured for future comparison or monitoring.
Biopsy if Needed: If a concerning area is found, a small sample may be taken and sent to a lab to confirm whether further treatment is necessary.

Stay Ahead of Skin Cancer with Expert, Personalized Care

Early detection saves lives, and getting there starts with the right dermatology partner. At Skin Wellness Dermatology, our board-certified providers combine advanced technology with years of clinical expertise to catch potential skin cancer early and when it’s most treatable.

We don’t just look—we listen, taking time to understand your history, concerns, and goals to deliver care that truly fits you. If something needs attention, we’ll explain your options clearly and build a treatment plan that suits your needs. Between visits, we’ll also provide guidance and resources to keep you proactive about your skin.

With a focus on precision, prevention, and peace of mind, we’re here to help you protect what matters most. Schedule your exam today and take a confident step toward lasting skin health.

Preventive Skin Cancer Screenings in Birmingham, AL

Self-exams are an important part of skin cancer awareness, but they can’t replace a professional evaluation. Some areas of the body are difficult to examine on your own, and not all suspicious spots are easy to recognize.

Serving the Birmingham, AL, community with offices in Homewood and Greystone, Skin Wellness Dermatology offers advanced, patient-centered care focusing on early detection and prevention of skin cancer. Our board-certified dermatologists are trained to spot even the most subtle warning signs, providing peace of mind through comprehensive full-body skin exams.

With flexible scheduling options and transparent pricing, we make it easy to prioritize your skin health—schedule your appointment today.