Published on June 05, 2025

Sun, Skin and Safety: What You Should Know About Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting one in five people. Most cases are basal or squamous cell cancers. Melanoma is less common but more deadly, causing more than 8,000 deaths yearly. Thanks to better treatments, survival rates are rising, but cases continue to increase, mainly due to increased sun exposure and aging.

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer happens when the DNA in skin cells—often starting in the top layer of skin—gets damaged. This damage can make the cells grow out of control and form a tumor.

What Are the Types of Skin Cancer?

There are three main types of skin cancer, each named after the type of skin cell where it starts:

  • Basal cell carcinoma is the most common and usually the least dangerous type of skin cancer. It grows slowly and rarely spreads. It often looks like a shiny bump or a raised area with a small dip in the center.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma is less common but more likely to spread. It may appear as a red, scaly patch, an open sore or a thick bump that may bleed or crust over.
  • Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It can grow and spread quickly. It often looks like a new or changing mole, especially one with uneven shape, ragged edges or more than one color.

What Causes Skin Cancer and Who’s at Risk?

The primary cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and tanning beds.

    • UVA rays go deep into the skin and are linked to aging and wrinkles.
    • UVB rays cause sunburn and are more likely to damage skin cell DNA, leading to cancer.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors:

    • Fair skin (less natural protection from UV)
    • Family history of skin cancer
    • Older age (more sun exposure over time)
    • Certain genetic conditions

Controllable Risk Factors:

    • Excessive sun exposure
    • Past sunburns, especially as a child
    • Tanning bed use
    • Weakened immune system

What Warning Signs Should You Look For?

Skin cancer can look different, so it’s important to check your skin regularly for changes. If you notice anything unusual or have concerns, it’s best to see a dermatologist or your doctor as soon as possible.

Use the ABCDE rule to spot melanoma:

  • Asymmetry: Two sides of the mole don’t match
  • Border: Irregular or blurry edges
  • Color: Different or changing shades of brown, tan, black, red, blue or pink
  • Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), but can be even smaller
  • Evolving: Changes appearance (size, shape or color), or symptoms (bleeding, oozing or itching)

Other signs:

  • A sore that doesn’t heal
  • New growth or bump
  • Scaly or crusty patches
  • Skin that’s itchy, tender or bleeds

How Is Skin Cancer Diagnosed?

Skin exam: A dermatologist checks your skin from head to toe, often using a magnifying tool called a dermatoscope. They look for unusual moles, spots or changes in your skin, especially in sun-exposed areas. Photos may be taken to help monitor any changes over time.

Biopsy: If something looks suspicious, the doctor will remove the abnormal looking spot/growth and send it to a lab. This is called a biopsy. A pathologist examines the sample under a microscope to confirm if it’s cancer, what type it is, how deep it goes and whether it was fully removed.

Further Testing: If cancer is confirmed, additional tests may be done to determine if it has spread. These may include a lymph node biopsy to see if melanoma has reached nearby lymph nodes, imaging scans such as CT, PET or MRI to check for cancer in other parts of the body, and lab tests to detect genetic changes in the cancer that could help guide treatment. Based on these results and pathology findings, doctors will then "stage" the cancer.

How Is Skin Cancer Treated?

Treatment depends on the type, size and location of the cancer, as well as your overall health. Most skin cancers can be treated successfully, especially if caught early.

Common Treatment Options:

  • Surgery: The most common method; removes the cancer and some surrounding skin.
  • Scraping and burning: Scrapes off small, shallow cancers, then uses heat to kill remaining cells.
  • Freezing (cryotherapy): Destroys cancer cells with liquid nitrogen.
  • Topical creams: Treat early cancers by boosting immunity or stopping cell growth.
  • Light therapy: Uses a special cream and light to target and kill cancer cells.
  • Radiation: Used when surgery isn’t possible, especially in sensitive areas.
  • Advanced therapies: Includes immunotherapy or targeted drugs for cancers that have spread.

How Can You Lower Your Risk of Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is often preventable. Most cases are linked to too much UV exposure. Here’s how you can protect yourself:

  • Limit sun exposure: Stay in the shade and wear UV-protective clothing, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Cover up: Use long sleeves, hats and sunglasses for extra protection.
  • Use sunscreen: Apply SPF 30+ 15–30 minutes before going outside; reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
  • Avoid tanning beds: They increase melanoma risk and age your skin faster.
  • Check your skin: Do monthly self-checks for new or changing spots.
  • See a dermatologist: Get a yearly skin exam, especially if you're at higher risk.
  • Support skin health: Eat well, drink water and avoid smoking.

Exceptional Cancer Care

If you’re diagnosed with cancer, trust southwest Michigan’s most preferred healthcare system. With locations in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, Bronson Cancer Center offers comprehensive care, combining expert medical teams, advanced technology and supportive resources at every stage of your cancer journey. Learn more about Bronson’s regional cancer program at bronsonhealth.com/cancer.