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Shining a Light on Skin Cancer: Awareness, Prevention, and Early Detection

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month—a time dedicated to educating the public about the most common form of cancer in the United States. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. This staggering statistic underscores the importance of understanding risks, practicing prevention, and scheduling regular skin exams with one of our Dermatology Providers. Skin Cancer Awareness Month is a timely reminder to practice sun safety as the weather warms up and people spend more time outdoors. 

At Vitalogy Skincare, our Dermatology Providers are passionate about raising awareness and helping patients protect their skin year-round. Dr. Amad Sayed highlights the preventability and treatability of skin cancer: “It is important to shine the light on this health issue, especially as it is also one of the most preventable cancers and highly treatable when caught early.” Awareness months like this are crucial for reminding everyone to take their skin health seriously.

Skin Cancer 101

The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. BCC is the most common and least aggressive, often appearing as a pearly bump or flesh-colored patch, typically on sun-exposed areas like the face or neck. SCC is the second most common and may look like a red, scaly patch or a sore that doesn’t heal; it also tends to develop in sun-exposed areas but can be more aggressive than BCC. Melanoma is the least common but most dangerous, as it can spread quickly to other parts of the body; it usually appears as a new or changing mole with irregular borders, varied colors, and asymmetry. Early detection and treatment are essential for all three types. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month isn’t just about education – it’s also about action. Vitalogy Skincare encourages patients to schedule annual full-body skin exams and make sun protection a daily habit, regardless of the season or weather.

Monitoring Skin Changes – Self Exams and Annual Skin Exams

Checking your skin monthly is a simple but powerful habit that can help detect skin cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Regular self-exams allow you to become familiar with your skin and notice any new growths, changes in existing moles, or unusual spots. This is especially important because skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body, even in places that don’t get much sun. Catching warning signs early, such as asymmetry, irregular borders, or changes in color or size, can make a big difference in outcomes. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has a great guide on how to do a self-exam. A quick monthly check can give you peace of mind and could even save your life.

Dr. Matthew Smetanick advises monitoring skin changes, “Let your Dermatologist know about any growths that are persistently red or inflamed, tender, itchy, or bleeding. Skin cancer is not always symptomatic, though. It is also important to monitor for any sudden or rapid changes to your current moles and skin spots in color, size, or shape.” If something looks suspicious, don’t wait. Get it checked. We’re here to help you catch things early.

Protecting Your Skin

To help reduce the risk of skin cancer, the Dermatology Providers at Vitalogy Skincare recommend the following sun safety tips:

  • Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days.
  • Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
  • Seek shade during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Wear protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses.
  • Avoid tanning beds, which expose your skin to harmful UV radiation.

Dr. Jennifer Hanson emphasizes the importance of proactive skin health measures: “Actively practice sun protection – use a combination of sunscreen and photoprotective clothing including a hat and sunglasses, try to avoid being out when the UV rays are the strongest (between 10 am to 4 pm), seek shade.” 

Skin Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to re-commit to skin health. By spreading knowledge and encouraging proactive care, we can help reduce the incidence of skin cancer in our communities. Vitalogy Skincare is proud to stand with patients not just in May, but every month, in the fight against skin cancer.

Make your skin a priority—book your annual skin exam with Vitalogy Skincare today.

About Vitalogy Skincare

Our experienced Dermatology Providers will work with you to craft a plan for all your skin care concerns and goals, selecting the best treatments and products. Vitalogy Skincare has been the Austin area’s skin care expert since 2007. Come and experience our quality Cosmetic Dermatology services, provided by an expert and caring team. We have locations in Bastrop, Burnet, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Harker Heights, Marble Falls, and San Marcos.