While enjoying the sun, be wary of the risk of sunburns.
Skin cancer holds the title as the most prevalent cancer in the United States, yet it’s also one of the most preventable types. The primary culprit is excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, whether from the sun or tanning beds, which results in at least two American deaths every hour.
As summer fades away, it’s wise to conduct a thorough check of your skin for any changes that might stem from sun exposure.
Dr. Asha Patel Shah, a board-certified dermatologist, emphasizes the importance of starting with a skin self-exam at home, ideally with mirrors or the help of a partner.
This way, if anything appears different later on, you can compare it to your usual skin.
She outlines nine key skin changes to watch out for. Here’s how you can spot them:
Types of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer primarily falls into three categories: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma.
BCC is the most frequently diagnosed skin cancer. It originates from basal cells located in the skin’s deepest layer and may present as small, pearly or flesh-toned bumps or reddish-pink scaly patches.
SCC, on the other hand, develops from squamous cells in the skin’s upper layer, often appearing as rough, red patches or firm pink bumps.
Melanoma is recognized as the most harmful type of skin cancer.
Notably, Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, recently passed away at 48 after battling melanoma for three years.
Also, Teddy Mellencamp, 44, from “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” was diagnosed with melanoma in 2022.
Common indications include dark, irregularly colored spots or clusters that may vary from pink to red or even skin tones.
As Dr. Patel Shah points out, “Skin cancer can genuinely imitate benign skin conditions or lesions.”
Self-Examination Process
When checking your skin for potential signs of cancer, it’s crucial to remember all the areas you should inspect.
Ensure you examine the scalp, genital region, palms, spaces between fingers, under fingernails, beneath chest areas, and more.
Taking pictures can be helpful—consider sharing them with your healthcare provider, too.
Keep the acronym “ABCDE” in mind during your self-exam:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole or lesion doesn’t match the other half.
- Border: The edges are irregularly shaped, notched, or poorly defined.
- Color: There may be inconsistencies in color, or multiple colors could appear within one area.
- Diameter: If the width is greater than 1/4 inch or around the size of a pencil eraser, note it.
- Evolution: Look for changes in size, shape, or color over time.
Patel Shah advises that monthly skin checks are particularly important for those at increased risk for skin cancer—which includes individuals with a previous skin cancer history, family history, or atypical moles.
“In general, high-risk individuals should schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist at least once a year,” she added.
Watch for These Anomalies
Dr. Patel Shah advises keeping an eye on specific skin changes:
- A growth that won’t heal and continues to bleed or ache.
- A persistent, rough patch that doesn’t respond to moisturizers, especially in sun-exposed areas like the face, arms, or chest.
- A rapidly enlarging lump or bump that may be painful.
- Wart-like growths that seem persistent or painful.
- Pigmented lesions that display asymmetry or irregular borders, or color changes.
- Pigmented lesions appearing in less common areas like the palms or soles of the feet.
- Dark streaks on the nails that are unevenly shaped.
- Any skin that itches, feels soft, or bleeds unexplainably.
- Rarely, highly resistant skin conditions resembling eczema may signal skin cancer, even without UV exposure.
