Skin Cancer Awareness
- Lisa Trueba
- May 7
- 5 min read
What You Need to Know to Protect Your Skin
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s a good reminder to slow down and think about one of the most important parts of your overall health—your skin.
We spend so much time trying to correct skin concerns like acne, redness, and aging that we sometimes forget how important prevention really is. Protecting your skin from sun damage is one of the best things you can do for your long-term skin health.
The goal of this journal is not to overwhelm you; it’s to help you feel more aware, more
prepared, and more confident about taking care of your skin long-term.
Not Just for Sunny Days
One of the biggest misconceptions is that sunscreen is only needed when it’s hot or sunny outside. The truth is, UV rays are present year-round, even on cloudy days, and they can pass through clouds and windows. Daily protection helps keep your skin safe every day, not just in the summer.
Everyday Ways Sun Damage Happens
Many people think sun damage only happens during long days at the beach, but UV exposure can build up through everyday activities over time.
Sitting near windows at home or work
Driving regularly, especially on the driver’s side
Gardening or spending time outdoors
Walking pets or running errands
Brief sun exposure without SPF
Even short periods of repeated sun exposure can contribute to premature aging, dark spots, redness, and increase the risk of skin cancer over time.
Why a Yearly Skin Check Matters
A yearly skin check with your doctor or dermatologist is incredibly important, even if you don’t notice anything unusual.
These appointments allow professionals to look at your skin in a way we simply can’t at home. They can track changes over time and catch anything early.
The key point:
The earlier skin cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat and remove. Early detection often means smaller procedures, less damage to surrounding skin, and much better outcomes overall.
Skin cancer does NOT only affect light skin
While people with lighter skin tones have a higher overall risk due to lower levels of melanin, anyone can develop skin cancer regardless of skin color. In fact, skin cancer is often diagnosed later in individuals with medium to deep skin tones because it may not be as expected or immediately recognized, which can lead to more advanced stages at the time of diagnosis. This is why regular skin checks, awareness of changes, and protection from UV exposure are important for everyone, no matter their skin tone. (If you get a brownish line going down your toenail, get it checked with your doctor to rule out cancer).
Are people getting skin cancer younger?
Yes, in some groups, but not equally across the board.
Overall, skin cancer still increases with age because UV damage accumulates over time.
But certain types, especially melanoma, are increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults.
It’s now considered one of the most common cancers in young adults (especially women in their 20s–30s).
Types of Skin Cancer: What to Watch For
There are several types of skin cancer, and while only a doctor can diagnose them, it helps to know what changes to pay attention to.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Often looks like a pearly or shiny bump
May appear pink, white, or slightly translucent
Can sometimes look like a sore that doesn’t heal
Usually slow-growing, but still needs treatment
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
May look like a red, scaly patch or thickened area
Can feel rough or crusty
Sometimes, forms open sores or growths
Can grow more quickly than BCC
Melanoma (the most serious type)
Often appears as a new mole or a change in an existing mole
May have uneven borders, multiple colors, or asymmetry
Can change in size, shape, or color over time
This is the type that makes regular skin checks especially important
A helpful guideline many doctors use is the ABCDE rule:
Asymmetry
Border irregularity
Color variation
Diameter larger than a pencil eraser
Evolving (any change over time)
⚠️ When to Get Something Checked
If you notice something on your skin and you’re not sure what it is, don’t wait and hope it goes away.
Get it checked if you notice:
A spot that is changing
A sore that won’t heal
A new mole or growth
Anything that looks or feels different from the rest of your skin
You do not need to “be sure” before seeing a doctor. That’s what they are there for.
Simple Ways to Protect Your Skin Daily
Wear a broad-spectrum SPF every day
Reapply sunscreen when outdoors for extended periods
Wear hats and sunglasses when gardening or outside
Consider UV-protective clothing for long outdoor activities
Don’t forget areas like the neck, chest, ears, and hands
Use SPF even on cloudy days or while driving
Don't skip your ears!
Don’t like the white cast from sunscreen?
A lot of people avoid wearing sunscreen because they dislike the heavy feel or white cast many SPFs leave behind. If that sounds familiar, the TiZO3 Facial Primer/Sunscreen SPF 40 may be the perfect solution. This lightweight, tinted SPF helps blur and smooth the skin while providing daily sun protection, and it doubles as a silky makeup primer. Plus, it’s currently 20% off, making it a great time to upgrade your daily SPF routine.
I personally chose the TiZO3 Facial Primer/Sunscreen SPF 40 because it offers excellent daily sun protection while still being gentle enough for acne-prone and rosacea-prone skin. I also love that it doubles as a silky primer, and the sheer tint helps give the skin a soft, natural-looking coverage that can easily be worn alone. If you’ve struggled to find an SPF that feels comfortable on the skin without leaving a heavy white cast, this may become your new favorite.
This is the sunscreen I reach for every day. I don’t wear foundation, and I love that this gives my skin a natural, healthy-looking finish all on its own
The Most Important Thing to Remember
Skin cancer is very common, but it is also highly treatable when caught early.
Taking care of your skin doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. It comes down to a few simple habits:
Wear sunscreen daily (don't forget your hands if you're doing a lot of driving)
Reapply when needed (every 2 hours with prolonged sun exposure, especially if you are in the water)
Stay consistent with yearly skin checks
Pay attention to changes in your skin
Small steps really do make a difference over time.
Final Thought
Your skin is with you for life. Protecting it isn’t just about appearance; it’s about health, prevention, and long-term care.
If you ever feel unsure about something on your skin, trust that instinct and get it checked. Peace of mind alone is worth it.
For more information about skin cancer, visit: https://www.skincancer.org/
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