What are the signs and symptoms of skin cancer?
Skin cancer can be found early, and both doctors and patients play important roles in finding skin cancer. If you have any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor. • any change on the skin, especially in the size or color of a mole or other darkly pigmented growth or spot, or a new growth • scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or change in the appearance of a bump or nodule • the spread of pigmentation beyond its border such as dark coloring that spreads past the edge of a mole or mark • a change in sensation, itchiness, tenderness, or pain Can skin cancer be prevented? The best ways to lower the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer are to avoid intense sunlight for long periods of time and to practice sun safety. You can continue to exercise and enjoy the outdoors while practicing sun safety at the same time. Here are some ways you can do this: • Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. • Seek shade: Look for shade, especially in the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are strongest. Practi
