Know the Signs: Your Skin Cancer Awareness Starter Guide

When it comes to skin cancer, what you don’t know can hurt you. That’s exactly why May is called Skin Cancer Awareness Month — it’s not just a reminder to wear sunscreen (although you absolutely should). It’s about truly knowing what to look for on your own skin and understanding how early action can save lives.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. The good news? When caught early, it’s also one of the most treatable. Awareness is your first line of defense — and it starts with learning the signs.

Three Main Types of Skin Cancer — and What to Watch For

Skin cancer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each type sends out its own set of warning signs. Here’s what you should keep an eye on:

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) 

What to look for: Pearly or waxy bump, flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion, spot that bleeds easily or doesn’t seem to heal. Most often appears on sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, and ears.

Why it matters: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. It tends to grow slowly, but if left untreated, it can cause serious damage to nearby tissues.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

What to look for: Firm, red bump, scaly patch or sore that heals and reopens, wart-like growths that feel rough. Commonly found on the face, ears, lips, and back of the hands.

Why it matters: Squamous cell carcinoma can be more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma, with the potential to spread to other parts of the body if not caught early.

Malignant Melanoma

What to look for: Melanoma often shows up as a new mole or a change in an existing one. Use the ABCDE Rule to spot warning signs:

• Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other.
• Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
• Color: Uneven colors, including shades of brown, black, tan, red, white, or blue.
• Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
• Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or color over time.

Why it matters: Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer — but when detected early, treatment is highly effective and often simple.

Why It’s Called “Awareness” Month

There’s a reason we call it Skin Cancer Awareness Month — because spotting skin cancer early often comes down to your awareness. It’s about taking a closer look at your skin, knowing the warning signs, and trusting yourself enough to act if something seems unusual. Your eyes, your attention, and your gut feeling can make the difference between a simple treatment and something much more serious.

Checking your skin takes just a few minutes. Getting suspicious spots checked by a board-certified dermatologist? Even better. Taking action early? Life-saving.

Stay Aware, Stay Protected

This month — and every month — we encourage you to:

• Do regular self-checks from head to toe.
• Know what’s normal for your skin and spot new or changing areas quickly.
• Book a professional skin exam with a dermatologist you trust.

Awareness isn’t scary. It’s powerful. And the more you know, the more you can protect yourself — and the skin you’re in.

If you are aware for a suspicious skin lesion, or aware of the need for a full body skin exam, book an appointment at midwestderm.com or call us today at (402) 933-0800.