Skin Cancer Awareness Month: What Everyone Needs to Know About Prevention and Early Detection

by | May 9, 2025 | Skincare | 0 comments

Skin Cancer Awareness Month: What Everyone Needs to Know About Prevention and Early Detection

When it comes to taking care of your skin, most people think of moisturizers, sunscreen, or the occasional aesthetic treatment. But there’s another essential aspect of skincare that isn’t talked about enough: cancer prevention.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, making it the ideal time to go beyond surface-level skincare and focus on your long-term health. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer globally—and in many cases, it’s also one of the most preventable.

This article will walk you through the different types of skin cancer, how to spot the early signs, and what you can do every day to reduce your risk.

What Is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer happens when skin cells are damaged—most often by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds—and begin to grow in abnormal ways. There are three main types of skin cancer, each with its own signs, risks, and severity.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

  • The most common type of skin cancer

  • Grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body

  • May look like a shiny bump, a pinkish growth, or a sore that doesn’t heal

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

  • Often appears as a red, scaly patch, open sore, or wart-like bump

  • Can crust or bleed and may become dangerous if left untreated

  • Slightly more likely to spread than basal cell carcinoma

Melanoma

  • The least common but most serious form of skin cancer

  • Can spread quickly to other parts of the body if not caught early

  • May begin as a new mole or a change in an existing mole

How to Spot Skin Cancer: The ABCDEs of Melanoma

Melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer, but early detection makes all the difference. One of the most effective ways to monitor changes in your skin is by following the ABCDE rule:

A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other
B – Border: Edges are irregular, jagged, or poorly defined
C – Color: Uneven colors or multiple shades, including black, brown, red, or blue
D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
E – Evolving: Any noticeable change in size, color, shape, or sensation over time

It’s important to note that not all skin cancers follow this rule. If something looks new, unusual, or just feels “off,” it’s worth getting checked.

Check Your Skin Monthly

No one knows your body like you do. A mole or spot that suddenly changes or a patch of skin that won’t heal may be your first clue that something’s wrong. That’s why it’s recommended that adults do a full skin self-exam every month.

Look at all areas of your body, including your back, scalp, soles of your feet, and under your nails. Use a mirror for hard-to-see places or ask a partner to help. Early detection can be lifesaving.

Everyday Sun Safety Tips

Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is the most effective way to reduce your risk of skin cancer. These simple, consistent habits can make a big difference over time:

  • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day

  • Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating

  • Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing when outside

  • Avoid tanning beds and seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Remember: Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays can still reach your skin.

Aesthetic Clinics Can Help You Monitor Your Skin

If you regularly visit a clinic for facials, injectables, or skin treatments, your practitioner may be in a position to notice unusual skin changes. Well-trained professionals are often the first to spot something that doesn’t look quite right—especially on areas like the face, neck, or scalp.

If they observe something concerning, they’ll refer you to a dermatologist for a proper evaluation. Don’t hesitate to point out any new moles or spots you’ve noticed during your appointment.

Final Thoughts

Skin cancer doesn’t just affect one group—it affects everyone. And while it can be serious, it’s also one of the most detectable and treatable forms of cancer when caught early.

This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, take a moment to really look at your skin. Schedule your annual skin check. Wear your sunscreen every day. And encourage a loved one to do the same.

Because the more aware we are, the more empowered we become—to protect ourselves, to spot signs early, and to take action before it’s too late.