- Understand your risk factors for skin cancer.
- Learn what to look for on your skin to ensure early detection.
- Hear 3 tips that can reduce your risk.
Today, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. But you don’t have to become a statistic.
Carilion Clinic Dermatology and Mohs Surgery offers guidance on protecting your skin, as well as changes to watch for.
3 Ways to Keep Your Skin Healthy
1. Limit time in the sun.
- Wear protective clothing (long sleeves, hat, sunglasses)
- Seek shade, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Apply a SPF 30+ sunscreen daily (reapply every 2 hours if you’re in the sun)
2. Check your skin regularly for new or changing moles. Use this interactive gallery from the American Cancer Society as a guide.
3. Have regular skin cancer screenings with your primary care physician or dermatologist.
Risk Factors
You are at higher risk for skin cancer and should take extra precautions if:
- You have a history of skin cancer in your family
- You have red hair or fair skin
- Your skin burns easily
In addition, you should see your dermatologist for a baseline skin exam if you have a history of tanning bed use or a lot of moles.
Essential summer gear includes long sleeves, hats and sunglasses in addition to SPF 30 sunscreen.
What Should You Look For?
There are 3 main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma (the most serious form). According to Mariana Phillips, MD, section chief of Carilion Clinic Dermatology and Mohs Surgery, each has different signs and symptoms.
1. Basal cell carcinoma:
- Pearly or translucent bump on the skin
- Flat, flesh-colored lesion appearing anywhere on the body
- A suspicious lesion is often described as a "bubble in the skin"
2. Squamous cell carcinoma:
- Hard, red nodule on face, lips, ears, neck, hands and/or arms
- Flat lesion with scaly surface
3. Melanoma:
- Mole that changes in color, size, shape or texture
- Skin lesion with irregular borders
- Pre-existing skin lesion that grows
- Large brown spot with irregular, splotchy areas of lighter or darker color
Dr. Phillips notes other signs to watch for:
- Any growth or change in a pre-existing mole
- Moles that are bleeding or enlarging
- An "acne bump" that does not resolve in one month
- Changes to brown lesions on the palms, soles of feet and under the nails on people with darker skin
“Whether you have light or dark skin, anyone can develop skin cancer,” says Dr. Phillips. “People with skin of color can even get melanoma in areas that do not receive a lot of sun, such as the palms of hands and soles of the feet.”
For skin cancer on the head and neck, Dr. Phillips recommends Mohs surgery as the ideal treatment—this procedure ensures that all the cancer is removed while conserving as much normal tissue as possible. Mohs surgeons also receive extensive training to ensure the most positive cosmetic outcome.
Not all skin cancers require Mohs surgery. If you have a biopsy-proven skin cancer, ask your primary care physician or dermatologist if referral to Mohs surgery would be appropriate.
Learn more about Carilion Clinic Dermatology and Mohs Surgery clinicians and locations.
