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Skin cancer occurs when cells in the epidermis, the outermost skin layer, grow rapidly and form malignant tumors. The main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), and melanoma.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Aside from Merkel cell carcinoma, which is rare and aggressive, melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

Skin cancer usually doesn’t cause bothersome signs and symptoms until they have grown quite large. Then, skin cancer symptoms might include itching, bleeding, or even pain. However, if you know what to look for, you can spot signs of skin cancer when it’s still small and easier to treat.

Not all skin cancers look the same. It’s important to check your skin regularly and talk to your medical provider about any of the following signs of skin cancer:

• A new, expanding, or changing growth, spot, or bump on the skin
• A sore that bleeds and/or doesn’t heal after several weeks
• A rough or scaly red patch, which might crust or bleed
• A wart-like growth
• A mole (or other spot) that’s new or changing in size, shape, or color
• A mole with an odd shape, irregular borders, or different colors

The ABCDE rule of melanoma to help you remember what to look for.

• A is for Asymmetry: One half of spot does not match the other
• B is for Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred
• C is for Color: The color is not the same all over
• D is for Diameter: The spot is larger the size of a pencil eraser, although melanomas can sometimes be smaller than this
• E is for Evolving: The spot is changing in size, shape, or color
• Most melanomas start on sun-exposed skin, but some start in hidden places, like under a fingernail or toenail, on the palms or soles, in the eye, or in the mouth, nose, and genitals. Take note of any dark spots in these areas and talk to your medical provider about anything that concerns you.

Basal cell skin cancer can appear as:

• Small, pink or red, translucent, shiny, pearly bumps, which might have colored areas
• Pink growths with raised edges and a lower area in their center, which might contain abnormal blood vessels spreading out like the spokes of a wheel
• Flat, firm, pale or yellow areas, similar to a scar
• Raised reddish patches that might be itchy
• Open sores that don’t heal, or that heal and then come back

Squamous cell skin cancer can appear as:

• Rough or scaly red (or darker) patches, which might crust or bleed
• Raised growths or lumps, sometimes with a lower area in the center
• Open sores (which may have oozing or crusted areas) that don’t heal, or that heal and then come back
• Wart-like growths

Merkel cell carcinoma usually begins as:

• A single pink, red, or purple shiny bump that usually doesn’t hurt
• These tumors tend to grow quickly and can look like other more common types of skin cancer when first developing

Diagnosis of skin cancer involves physical skin exam and skin biopsy. In addition, one or more of the following tests may be used to find out if the cancer has spread:

• Additional imaging (CT scan, PET scan, MRI scan, ultrasound)
• Lymph node biopsy
• Blood chemistry study

Source: American Cancer Society, 2025

What is a risk factor? A risk factor is anything that increases your chances of getting a disease, such as cancer. There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Fortunately, many of these risks can be reduced or eliminated.

UV Exposure is the #1 Risk Factor for Skin Cancer

Other risk factors for skin cancer include:

• Having light-colored skin. Anyone can get skin cancer, but people with lighter skin have a higher risk.
• Age. The risk of skin cancer increases as people get older, but skin cancers are rising in younger people.
• Gender. Women are more likely than men to get skin cancer before age 50, but men are more likely to get skin cancer after age 50.
• Having a weekend immune system. People with weakened immunity have an increased risk of skin cancer.
• Moles. People with many moles and those with large or irregular moles have a higher risk for skin cancer.
• Personal history. People who have had skin cancer or other skin conditions have a higher risk for skin cancer.
• Family history. People with a family history of skin cancer have a higher risk.

Source: The Skin Cancer Foundation, 2025, American Cancer Society, 2025

Check your skin head-to-toe once a month. Contact your medical provider if you notice anything new, changing, or unusual.

Get a professional skin check by a dermatologist once a year.

Diagnosis of skin cancer involves physical skin exam and skin biopsy. In addition, one or more of the following tests may be used to find out if the cancer has spread:

• Additional imaging (CT scan, PET scan, MRI scan, ultrasound)
• Lymph node biopsy
• Blood chemistry study

Source: The Skin Cancer Foundation, 2025, the American Academy of Dermatology, 2025

Cover up with a wide-brimmed hat, sun-protective clothing, and sunglasses.

Seek shade when the sun’s UV rays are strongest.

Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

Additionally, consider protective window film for your car and home, eat a healthy diet full of antioxidants, and conduct monthly self-checks and get annual professional skin exams.

No single method can protect you perfectly. The best path is to adopt as many sun safety steps as possible, and make them daily habits everywhere you go, all year long.

Source: The Skin Cancer Foundation, 2025, American Cancer Society, 2025