Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Most cases are basal cell or squamous cell cancers, which are very treatable. Melanoma is less common but more dangerous, because it can spread. The good news: most skin cancers can be prevented, and nearly all can be cured when found early.
Know your risk
Anyone can get skin cancer, including people with darker skin. Risk is higher if you:
- Have fair skin, light eyes or hair that burns easily
- Have many moles or unusual moles
- Had blistering sunburns, especially as a child
- Use or used tanning beds
- Have a family history of melanoma
- Have a weakened immune system
The ABCDEs of melanoma
Check moles for these warning signs:
- A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other.
- B – Border: Edges are ragged, notched or blurred.
- C – Color: Uneven shades of brown, black, red, white or blue.
- D – Diameter: Larger than 6 mm (about a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller.
- E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, color, or new itching or bleeding.
Also watch for the “ugly duckling,” a spot that looks different from your other moles, and any sore that doesn’t heal.
How to do a skin self-check
Once a month, in good light, look over your whole body with a full-length mirror and a hand mirror. Check your scalp, between your toes, the soles of your feet and under your nails. Taking phone photos of moles makes it easier to spot changes. In people with darker skin, melanoma is more likely to appear on palms, soles and nails.
Do you need a skin exam?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says there isn’t enough evidence to recommend routine skin exams by a doctor for adults without symptoms. But if you’re at higher risk or notice a change, see a dermatologist.
Protecting your skin
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.
- Seek shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and long sleeves.
- Check the UV index. Protect your skin when it’s 3 or higher, even on cloudy days.
- Avoid tanning beds.
Staying active outdoors is good for you, so just plan for it. Try our brisk walking plan in the early morning or evening.
What this means for you
- Do a monthly skin check and photograph moles you want to track.
- Make sunscreen part of your daily routine.
- See a doctor about any new, changing or unusual spot.
The bottom line
Skin cancer is common but largely preventable. Protect your skin from the sun, learn the ABCDEs and get changes checked early. See our cancer screening guide by age for other recommended tests.
Common questions
Do I need sunscreen on cloudy days?
Yes. Up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds. Check the UV index rather than the sky.
Is a base tan protective?
No. Any tan is a sign of skin damage, and a base tan offers very little protection against sunburn.
Do people with dark skin need sunscreen?
Yes. Darker skin has more natural protection, but skin cancer can still develop and is often found later.
What does a basal cell skin cancer look like?
It often appears as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat flesh-colored or brown scar-like patch, or a sore that bleeds, heals and returns.
This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual needs.
