The Ultimate Guide to Skin Cancer: Protect Your Skin

May 2025 is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May is recognized as Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time to educate, prevent, and protect. At Omega Hospitals, we are committed to spreading awareness about the risks, signs, and prevention of skin cancer. With rising exposure to harmful UV rays, it’s more important than ever to prioritize your skin health.

This month, take a moment to understand the different types of skin cancer, how to spot early symptoms, and the simple steps you can take to reduce your risk. From daily sun protection to routine skin checks, prevention starts with awareness.

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancers are abnormal growths that arise from skin cells, leading to malignant tumours. It occurs often due to multiple etiologic factors, with UV radiation-induced DNA damage and oncogenesis. The most common type of cancer in people is skin cancer.

Ronald Reagan states, “Since I came to the White House, I got two hearing aids, a colon operation, skin cancer, a prostate operation, and I was shot. The damn thing is, I’ve never felt better in my life.”  (https://www.azquotes.com/quotes/topics/skin-cancer.html)

Types of Skin Cancer

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC):

Basal cell carcinoma mainly occurs on sun-exposed areas, especially the head and neck, but it can also develop in less exposed regions like the genitals. It manifests as skin changes, including:

– A shiny, translucent bump that may appear pearly white, pink, brown, or glossy black, often with visible tiny blood vessels; it may bleed and scab.

– A brown, black, or blue lesion with dark spots and a slightly raised, translucent border.

– A flat, scaly patch with a raised edge that can grow large over time.

– A white, waxy lesion that resembles a scar and lacks a clear border.

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC):

Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin typically occurs on sun-exposed areas such as the scalp, hands, ears, and lips, but can also appear anywhere, including the mouth and genitals. In individuals with Black and brown skin, it may arise in non-sun-exposed areas.

Symptoms include:

– A firm nodule in various colors (skin tone, pink, red, black, brown)

– A flat sore with a scaly crust

– A new area on an existing scar

– A rough, scaly patch on the lip that may ulcerate

– A rough patch inside the mouth

– A raised, wartlike sore on or in the anus or genitals.

3. Melanoma:

Melanoma is a kind of skin cancer that originates in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin. It typically appears on sun-exposed areas like the arms, back, face, and legs, but can also occur in the eyes or other internal locations.

The precise causes are not completely understood, most cases are associated with UV light exposure from the sun or tanning beds. To lower the risk, it’s crucial to limit UV exposure.

Early signs include changes to existing moles or new unusual pigmented growths. Melanoma can happen anywhere on the body, but it happens most often in areas that are exposed to the sun.

Rare types of skin cancer:

• Kaposi sarcoma
• Merkel cell carcinoma
• Sebaceous gland carcinoma
• Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans

Skin cancer risk factors

The skin cancer risk factors are:

• Prolonged sun exposure without protection
• Fair skin, freckles, or light-colored eyes
• History of sunburns, especially in childhood
• Family or personal history of skin cancer
• Weak immune system
• Use of tanning beds

Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer

The symptoms may vary based on the type of skin cancer, there are some common signs to look out for:

1. A New or Changing Growth on the Skin

• Any new bump, spot, or patch on the skin that looks unusual or doesn’t go away should be checked by a doctor.
• Changes observed in size, shape, or color of an existing mole or skin lesion are warning signs.

2. Sores That Don’t Heal

• A sore that continues to bleed, scab, or stay open for more than a few weeks could indicate skin cancer.
• These sores often appear on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, ears, hands, and neck.

3. Irregular Moles (Use the ABCDE Rule)

The most serious kind of skin cancer is melanoma. Use the ABCDE Rule for melanoma:

• A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole 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 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
• E – Evolving: Mole changes in size, shape, colour, or behaviour (e.g., itching or bleeding).

4. Red or Scaly Patches

• Rough or crusty patches that are red, pink, or brown may be signs of squamous cell carcinoma.
• They may feel dry, itchy, or painful, especially if located in sun-exposed areas.

5. Shiny or Pearly Lumps

• Basal cell carcinomas often look like a small, shiny bump or nodule.
• These may be skin-colored, pink, or translucent and can appear to have tiny blood vessels.

6. Bleeding or Oozing Lesions

• Skin growths or sores that bleed easily and don’t heal normally are cause for concern.
• Persistent fluid or crusting from a lesion can be an early indicator of cancer.

7. Dark Lines Under Fingernails or Toenails

• A dark stripe or spot under the nail that is not related to an injury should be examined.
• This may be a sign of subungual melanoma.

Skin Cancer Treatment

Skin cancer treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer. The main goal is to remove or destroy cancer cells.

• Surgery:

Most common method. The cancer is cut out completely. Mohs surgery is used for delicate areas like the nose or eyelids.

• Radiation Therapy:

Used when surgery isn’t possible or for hard-to-reach areas.

• Topical Creams:

Medications like 5-FU or imiquimod are used for early or surface-level cancers.

• Cryotherapy:

Freezing cancer cells with liquid nitrogen.

• Photodynamic Therapy (PDT):

Uses light and a special drug to kill cancer cells.

• Immunotherapy/Targeted Therapy:

For advanced cases like melanoma, these help the immune system fight cancer.

• Chemotherapy

Less commonly used for skin cancer, but chemotherapy may be needed if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. It involves systemic drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.

How to Prevent Skin Cancer: Practical Tips

1. Use Sunscreen Daily

• Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher
• Apply generously 15–30 minutes before going out
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or after washing hands or sweating/swimming.

2. Wear Protective Clothing

• Long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses with UV protection
• Light or loose clothes provide comfort

3. Avoid Peak Sun Hours

• Stay indoors or seek shade between 11 AM and 4 PM when the sun’s rays are strongest.

4. Avoid Tanning Beds

• Artificial UV rays can be just as damaging as natural sunlight

5. Check Your Skin Regularly

• Self-examine your skin monthly
• Look for new growths, changes in existing moles, or unusual spots

6. Schedule Regular Skin Exams

• A dermatologist can identify early signs you might miss
• Annual check-ups are recommended, especially if you’re at higher risk

Lifestyle Habits That Support Skin Health

• Eat antioxidant-rich foods (berries, leafy greens, tomatoes)
• Stay hydrated to support skin regeneration
• Quit smoking—it accelerates skin aging and cancer risk
• Get enough sleep and manage stress, which influences immune function.

Conclusion:

Skin cancer may be common, but with the right precautions, it is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Small daily habits—like applying sunscreen or checking your skin—can make a big difference in your long-term health.

Protect your skin. Stay informed. Be proactive.

Your skin is your first line of defence—take care of it like it takes care of you.