When we talk about skin cancer, a group of abnormal cell growths in the skin that can spread if untreated. Also known as cutaneous malignancy, it's the most common cancer in the U.S., with over 5 million cases treated each year. Most cases aren’t caused by bad luck—they’re tied to things you can control, like sun exposure and tanning habits.
Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer that starts in pigment-producing cells doesn’t always look like a dark mole. It can be pink, red, or even clear. UV radiation, invisible rays from the sun and tanning beds that damage skin DNA is the #1 driver behind 90% of non-melanoma cases. You don’t need a sunburn to get hurt—daily exposure adds up, even on cloudy days. That’s why sunscreen isn’t just for beach days; it’s part of your daily skin defense, like brushing your teeth.
Not all skin changes are cancer, but some red flags don’t lie. A spot that bleeds, itches, grows fast, or doesn’t heal after a few weeks needs a look. Doctors use skin biopsy, a simple procedure where a small piece of skin is removed and checked under a microscope to confirm what’s going on. Early detection cuts death rates dramatically—melanoma caught before it spreads has a 99% five-year survival rate.
What you’ll find here isn’t theory. These are real stories from people who noticed something odd, got tested, and lived to tell the tale. You’ll see how people manage treatment side effects, what sunscreen actually works, why some moles are harmless and others aren’t, and how vitamin D and skin health don’t have to be at war. There’s no scare tactics—just facts, tools, and clear steps anyone can use.
Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin condition fueled by UV damage - and tanning beds are making it worse. Learn how to spot it, treat it, and stop it before it turns into skin cancer.
