Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S., affecting millions of people each year.
The good news? It’s also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when caught early.
Advances in screening, treatment, and prevention are continuously improving survival rates, making skin cancer a very treatable condition if addressed in time. Let’s break down the signs to watch for and the latest in skin cancer treatments as we move into 2025.
What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer develops when skin cells begin to grow uncontrollably. While there are three main types, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma, most skin cancers develop from sun exposure or tanning bed use.
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common, BCC usually develops on areas exposed to the sun, like the face, neck, or arms. It tends to grow slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Often found in areas that have had significant sun exposure, SCC can spread to nearby lymph nodes if left untreated.
- Melanoma: The least common but most aggressive form of skin cancer. Melanoma can spread quickly to other parts of the body, making early detection vital.
5 Key Signs of Skin Cancer
The most effective way to catch skin cancer early is by examining your skin regularly. Look out for these signs:
1. New Growths or Sores That Don’t Heal
A new mole, growth, or sore that doesn’t heal within a few weeks is a red flag. Skin cancers like BCC or SCC often appear as open sores that won’t close.
2. Changes in Existing Moles or Spots
Use the ABCDE rule to evaluate changes:
- Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other.
- Border: Irregular or jagged borders.
- Color: Multiple colors, or uneven distribution.
- Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- Evolution: Any change in size, shape, or color.
3. Itching, Tenderness, or Bleeding
A mole that starts to itch, hurt, or bleed is another sign that you should get it checked.
4. Dark or Irregular Pigmentation
Melanomas often appear as dark, irregularly shaped patches or moles, which can vary in color from brown to black or even red, blue, or white.
5. Raised or Bumpy Growth
Look for any new growths that are raised, especially if they have an unusual texture or feel different from the surrounding skin.
Early detection is key. If any of these signs appear, don’t wait for them to get worse — get them checked by a healthcare provider.
Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
Some factors increase your risk for skin cancer:
- Sun exposure: Overexposure to the sun or tanning beds.
- Fair skin: People with lighter skin tones, red or blonde hair, and blue eyes are at higher risk.
- Family history: A personal or family history of skin cancer increases risk.
- Previous skin cancer: Those who’ve had skin cancer once are more likely to develop it again.
- Immune suppression: People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.
What’s New in Skin Cancer Treatment for 2025?
Skin cancer treatment has come a long way, with 2025 innovations focusing on more personalized, effective therapies.
1. Topical Treatments
For non-invasive skin cancers like BCC and SCC, topical treatments such as Imiquimod cream and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are becoming more common. These medications help destroy cancer cells without the need for surgery.
2. Mohs Surgery
For larger or more aggressive skin cancers, Mohs micrographic surgery allows doctors to remove the cancer layer by layer, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This procedure has an extremely high success rate and is considered one of the most effective for treating basal and squamous cell carcinomas.
3. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a promising treatment for melanoma and other skin cancers that may not respond to traditional treatments. Drugs like Checkpoint Inhibitors (e.g., pembrolizumab or nivolumab) work by boosting the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
4. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapies are drugs that target specific genes, proteins, or tissues that contribute to cancer cell growth. For melanoma, BRAF inhibitors (like vemurafenib) are often used in combination with other drugs to slow the cancer’s spread.
5. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
For early-stage skin cancers, PDT uses a light-sensitive drug and a light source to target and destroy abnormal cells. This non-invasive treatment can be effective for pre-cancerous cells and superficial cancers.
Prevention: Protect Your Skin
While skin cancer is treatable, prevention is the best defense:
- Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day — even on cloudy days.
- Seek shade and avoid tanning beds.
- Wear protective clothing like hats and sunglasses.
- Check your skin regularly and get yearly skin checks from your dermatologist.
Key Takeaways
- Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., but it’s also highly treatable when caught early.
- Keep an eye out for new moles, changes in existing ones, or non-healing sores.
- 2025 innovations include topical treatments, Mohs surgery, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies.
- Prevention through sun protection and regular skin checks is your best defense.
