Skin Cancer: Your GoodRx Guide

Definition

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. It affects all skin colors, and about 1 in 5 people will get it at some point in their life. 

Skin cancer is highly curable when you catch it early. Certain people — like those with lighter skin — are more likely to get skin cancer. When skin cancer develops in skin of color, it’s often more advanced and harder to treat. So no matter the color of your skin, it’s important to know about skin cancer, including how to prevent it and catch it early.

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Types

There are three main types of skin cancer:

1. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type. It affects about 3.5 million people in the U.S. every year. It’s easy to treat when caught early. Without treatment, it can grow and be disfiguring, but it rarely spreads to other body parts.  

2. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type, with about 1.8 million cases yearly. It’s easily treated when caught early. If not treated, it can spread to other parts of the body.

3. Melanoma is the least common but most dangerous type. It’s the most likely to spread to other parts of the body. Almost 200,000 people in the U.S. develop melanoma, and about 7,500 will die from it each year.

Causes

Skin cancer starts when skin cells grow uncontrollably. The cause of most skin cancer is too much ultraviolet (UV) exposure from the sun and tanning beds. Over time, UV rays damage the DNA (the genetic instruction code) inside skin cells. When there’s permanent damage, cells can start to grow uncontrollably.

Most skin cancer comes from the epidermis, the skin’s outer layer. There are three cell types in the epidermis that lead to skin cancer: 

1. Squamous cells make up the top layers of the epidermis, and they can turn into squamous cell carcinoma.

2. Basal cells are the bottom layer of the epidermis, and they can turn into basal cell carcinoma.

3. Melanocytes are specialized cells scattered in between basal cells. They make melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Melanocytes can turn into melanoma.

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Risk factors

Anyone can develop skin cancer, but certain factors increase your risk: 

• Lighter skin color

• Exposure to UV light, including tanning beds

• Older age, male genes, or history of smoking

• History of skin cancer

• Exposure to certain chemicals (like arsenic in some pesticides)

• Radiation exposure (like radiation treatment for cancer)

• Certain inherited medical conditions (like basal cell nevus syndrome or xeroderma pigmentosum

• Weakened immune system

• Certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection

• Large number of moles, or atypical moles

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Symptoms

Skin cancer usually shows up as a visible change in your skin. It may be a new or changing growth, or a spot that looks different than your other spots. Sometimes skin cancer has symptoms, like bleeding, itching, or oozing. 

Skin cancer usually appears on sun-exposed skin, but that’s not always the case. So it’s a good habit to check all of your skin. Skin cancer can look different from person to person, but here are some signs to look for:

• An open sore that doesn’t heal

• A pink, red, or brown skin bump or rough patch that doesn’t go away

• A mole that isn’t uniform or that has different colors (like red, brown, or black) 

• A mole with borders that aren’t smooth

• Any mole that is changing

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Diagnosis

A diagnosis of skin cancer usually relies on a skin check and then a skin biopsy. Normally a dermatologist does this, but your primary care provider may also do it:

• Skin examination: This can be a screening exam that checks your whole body or focuses on a spot that worries you. Either way, your provider will look for any signs of skin cancer. If there’s a concerning spot, you’ll need a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

• Skin biopsy: This is a minor surgical procedure your provider does in their office. They numb your skin with a small needle and use a small blade to remove the spot (or part of the spot if it’s big). Then they send the tissue to a lab where a pathologist evaluates it to see if you have skin cancer (and if so, what type). Depending on the type of biopsy, you may have some stitches after the procedure.

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Treatments

If you have a diagnosis of skin cancer, there are different treatment options available. The treatment that’s best for you depends on a few different things, like:

• Skin cancer type

• Location on your body

• Size and depth of the cancer

• Possible spread to other parts of your body

• Personal preference

Here are the main skin cancer treatments:

• Surgical treatments include cutting the cancer out (excision), freezing it (cryosurgery), or scraping it off (curettage and electrodesiccation).

• Photodynamic therapy uses a special medication and light to target skin cancer cells. 

• Radiation therapy uses high-energy waves or particles (like X-rays) to treat skin cancer.

• Chemotherapy in the form of a cream can treat certain skin cancer types. 

Does insurance cover skin cancer treatment?

Most insurance companies cover skin cancer treatments since they are medically necessary. This includes things like biopsies and surgical treatment to remove skin cancer. Check with your specific insurance to see what they cover.

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Prevention

When it comes to skin cancer, prevention is key. This is because most cases of skin cancer are actually preventable. UV exposure is the biggest risk factor, so protecting yourself from the sun’s rays is the most important step you can take.

Here are some ways to lower your risk of getting skin cancer:  

• Avoid sunburns

• Avoid tanning, and don’t use a tanning bed (not even once)

• Find the shade between 10AM and 4PM

• Use sunscreen every day

• Wear sun-protective clothing, like a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves

• Check your skin regularly

• Visit your dermatologist to get a skin screening if you have any risk factors for skin cancer

And keep in mind — if you’re worried about a spot on your skin, it’s a good idea to trust your instincts and get it checked out.

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