Dr. Jane Yoo, a board-certified dermatologist, covers skin cancer basics: 1 in 5 Americans get it. She explains the main types, warning signs like pearly bumps and changing moles, and why people with darker skin often get diagnosed later. Self-exams, sunscreen SPF 30+, and protective clothing are your best defense.
Hi, I'm Dr. Jane Yoo, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon. Today we're talking about something really important: skin cancer. You might be surprised to hear that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, affecting millions of people every year. In fact, 1 out of 5 Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives. And here's the thing: Skin cancer doesn't discriminate. It can affect anyone, no matter your age, skin type, or skin color. There are 3 main types of skin cancer, and knowing what to look for can help you catch it early on. First, basal cell carcinoma. This is the most common type of skin cancer. It usually shows up on sun-exposed areas like the face or neck as a small pearly bump or a red patch that just doesn't heal. It grows slowly but can still cause damage if left untreated. Squamous cell carcinoma, another common type. SCC often looks like a scaly red patch or sore that keeps coming back. Like basal cell carcinoma, it typically appears on sun-exposed areas and can become more aggressive if it's not treated. Melanoma, this is the one you really need to watch out for. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. It can develop from an existing mole or as a new dark spot on your skin, and it can spread quickly if it's not caught early. Melanoma is a serious reminder of why keeping an eye on your skin is so important. Let's not forget about Merkel cell carcinoma, which took the life of Jimmy Buffett. It's rare but very aggressive. This type of cancer can spread quickly and can be difficult to treat if not caught early. Now, when we think about skin cancer, we often imagine fair-skinned people with sun damage. But did you know that people with skin of color are also at risk? What's more is that when skin cancer is found in people with darker skin tones, it's often at a later stage, which makes it harder to treat. Research shows that people with skin of color are less likely to survive melanoma because it's often caught too late. The tricky part? In darker skin, skin cancer doesn't always show up in areas that get a lot of sun. It often appears in unexpected places like the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, or even under the nails. If you notice dark streaks or bands on your nails, or if the skin around the base of your nail is getting darker, it's time to take action. Skin cancer can also appear in the groin or inside the mouth. So it's crucial to be aware of any unusual changes. One of the best tools you have is doing regular self-exams. Check your entire body. Yes, even places that usually don't get sun, like your back and the bottoms of the feet. Ask your partner or friend to help you with these hard-to-see areas, and if you notice anything new, changing, itching, or bleeding, don't ignore it. Early detection is your best defense. And if you can catch skin cancer early, it's highly treatable. Lastly, prevention is key, and sun protection is your first line of defense. Seek shade, wear protective clothing, and make sunscreen a daily habit. A broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is essential, and don't forget to reapply every couple of hours, especially if you're out swimming or sweating. Skin cancer can affect anyone, But with regular self-checks, sun protection, and staying aware of the changes in your skin, you can catch it early and reduce your risk.
