Skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. While it's often thought of as a condition primarily affecting fair-skinned populations, people of all skin tones can develop skin cancer, and awareness is your most powerful tool for early detection.
The Three Main Types of Skin Cancer
1. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
The most common type. Appears as a pearly or translucent bump, often on sun-exposed areas. Grows slowly and rarely spreads, but can cause significant local tissue damage if left untreated. Highly curable when detected early.
2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Appears as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface. More aggressive than BCC and can spread to lymph nodes. Also highly curable with early detection and treatment.
3. Melanoma
The most dangerous form of skin cancer. Can develop in existing moles or appear as new, abnormal pigmented lesions. Highly aggressive, can spread quickly if not detected early. Survival rates drop dramatically with later-stage diagnosis.
The ABCDE Rule for Self-Examination
Check your moles monthly and see a dermatologist immediately if you notice:
- A, Asymmetry: One half doesn't match the other
- B, Border: Irregular, ragged, or blurred edges
- C, Colour: Uneven colour, multiple shades of brown/black, or red, white, blue areas
- D, Diameter: Larger than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser)
- E, Evolving: Any change in size, shape, colour, or new symptoms like bleeding or itching
Prevention
- Daily broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Avoid tanning beds entirely
- Wear protective clothing, hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses
- Seek shade between 10am and 4pm
- Annual skin checks with a dermatologist if you have risk factors
Important: While skin cancer is less common in darker skin tones, it's often diagnosed at a later, more dangerous stage in people of colour because of a false perception of being "immune." Regular skin checks are important for everyone regardless of skin tone.