May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month: What You Need to Know

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the most common form of cancer in the United States and around the world—skin cancer. Despite being highly preventable and treatable when detected early, skin cancer continues to affect millions of people each year.

What are the different types of skin cancer?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 6.1 million people are treated for skin cancer each year in the United States. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common types of skin cancer, but are highly treatable.

Melanoma—the third most common type of skin cancer—accounts for only about 1% of all skin cancer cases, yet it causes the majority of skin cancer-related deaths.The American Cancer Society projects that approximately 104,960 new melanomas will be diagnosed, and 8,430 people will die of melanoma in 2025.

Mole versus melanoma

If you notice a small brown skin spot or growth on your skin, you might wonder if it’s developing skin cancer or a normal mole.

Melanoma skin cancer most often appears as an irregular, multicolored or brownish spot that increases in size. It may start as a flat spot and become raised. In rarer cases, it may be pink, red, normal skin color or other colors.

In comparison, a mole is either flat or elevated, generally round and regularly shaped. While moles are generally harmless, they can become “atypical” and develop into a melanoma. Symptoms that indicate a mole could become cancerous include:

• Itching
• Pain
• Elevation
• Bleeding
• Crusting
• Oozing
• Swelling
• Persistent, open sores
• Bluish-black coloring

What is a skin check?

It can be challenging to distinguish between an atypical mole and melanoma. That’s why a skin check—also known as a skin cancer screening—with a North Oaks dermatologist can be vital to early detection and treatment. During a skin check, the provider examines any suspicious moles, growths or changes that could indicate skin cancer on all areas of the body.

The American Cancer Society recommends regular skin exams for people at higher risk of skin cancer, especially those who have dysplastic nevus syndrome, a strong family history of melanoma, or have had melanoma before. Early skin cancer detection significantly increases the chances of successful, less invasive treatment.

Early detection saves lives

Skin cancer is common but often preventable and treatable when caught early. Watch for warning signs, protect your skin, and don’t delay screenings. If you notice any changes in your skin or have never had a skin exam, Skin Cancer Awareness Month is an excellent time to schedule one.

Call North Oaks Dermatology Associates at (985) 230-APPT [2778] to make an appointment today.