What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?

How to spot skin cancer—and keep it from happening in the first place

Let’s be real: skin cancer isn’t just something older people or tanning addicts have to worry about. In fact, melanoma—one of the most serious types of skin cancer—is actually one of the most common cancers in people under 30. That’s why it’s more important than ever to know how to spot the early signs and take steps to protect your skin every day.

The good news? When caught early, most skin cancers can be treated successfully. So let’s jump into what skin cancer really looks like, how to check your skin, and how to stop it before it starts.

The main types of skin cancer (and what they look like)

There are many kinds of skin cancer, but these three are the big ones you should know about:

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

This is the most common kind of skin cancer—and also the least dangerous when caught early. It starts in the basal cells (which sit at the bottom of your skin’s outer layer) and usually shows up in sun-exposed areas like your face or neck. BCC may look like:

A pearly or waxy bump
A flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion
A sore that doesn’t heal

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

The second most common skin cancer, SCC tends to grow a bit faster than BCC and can spread if left untreated. It usually appears on areas that get a lot of sun—think face, ears, neck, hands, and arms. You might notice:

A scaly red patch
A firm red nodule
A sore that crusts or bleeds

3. Melanoma

This one’s the most serious—and the trickiest. Melanoma starts in the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) and can develop from an existing mole or appear out of nowhere. It can grow quickly and spread to other parts of your body if not treated early.

Melanomas can pop up even in places that don’t see the sun, like under nails or between your toes. Keep an eye out for:

A mole that changes in size, shape, or color
A dark spot with uneven borders or multiple colors
A mole that itches, bleeds, or looks different from the rest (a.k.a. “the ugly duckling”)

The ABCDE rule: your mole-checking cheat sheet

Checking your skin once a month only takes a few minutes, and it could literally save your life. Look for these five warning signs, known as the ABCDEs of melanoma:

A = Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
B = Border: The edges are uneven, notched, or blurry.
C = Color: The mole has different colors or shades (brown, black, red, blue).
D = Diameter: It’s larger than 6mm—about the size of a pencil eraser.
E = Evolving: It’s changing over time in any way—size, color, texture.

If you notice anything unusual or new, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist ASAP. Better to get it checked and find out it’s nothing than wait too long.

Tips for preventing skin cancer (without giving up the sunshine)

You don’t have to live like a vampire to protect your skin, but a few small habits can make a big difference. Here’s how to lower your risk:

Avoid peak sun hours: Try to stay in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.—that’s when UV rays are strongest.
Cover up: Wear lightweight long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses. (Bonus: They’re fashionable, too.)
Use SPF like it’s your job: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours, especially if you’re sweating or swimming. Don’t forget your ears, neck, and hands!
Skip the tanning beds: They’re just as risky—sometimes even more so—than natural sun. Even one indoor tanning session can increase your risk of melanoma.
Be extra cautious near water, sand, and snow: These surfaces reflect UV rays and increase your risk of sunburn.

Pro tip: UV rays can sneak through clouds and windows, so daily sunscreen is a must—even on overcast days or when you’re driving.

Final thoughts: stay safe, stay sun smart

Skin cancer rates are on the rise, but the power to protect yourself is in your hands (literally). Make monthly self-checks part of your routine, book a full-body skin exam with a dermatologist once a year, and wear your SPF like your skin’s life depends on it—because it kind of does.

Remember, early detection is everything. The sooner you catch a suspicious spot, the better your chances for a full recovery. So be proactive, trust your instincts, and take care of the skin you’re in!

References

“15 Strategies That Help Prevent Skin Cancer, According to Dermatologists,” Prevention, May 3, 2021.
“Risk Factors for Melanoma Skin Cancer,” American Cancer Society, October 27, 2023.
“Skin Cancer 101,” Skin Cancer Foundation, April 2024.
“The Different Types of Skin Cancer, Explained,” Cosmopolitan, August 12, 2019.