Unlike some cancers, skin cancer doesn't always show obvious signs. It can grow slowly and may not cause pain at first, which is why early detection is so important.

Watch for changes in your skin, including:

• New or unusual spots or moles
• Moles that change in size, shape, or colour
• Sores that don't heal
• Itching, bleeding, or crusting
• Irregular or asymmetrical shapes
  

Even small changes can be important. Regular self-checks and early doctor visits can make a big difference in catching skin cancer early.

Tools like DermPro can support you by checking spots, giving instant risk indications, and tracking changes over time.

Melanoma vs. Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

There are two main types of skin cancer:

Melanoma

The rarest but most aggressive form. It develops in melanocytes, the pigment cells in the deepest skin layers, and can spread to other organs if untreated.

Non-Melanoma

It includes basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). These are the most common forms, usually slow-growing and typically treatable with simple procedures.

Melanoma and non-melanoma cancers can appear anywhere on the body, but non-melanoma cancers often show up on sun-exposed areas.

How to Tell the Difference: What's Normal

Knowing what's normal for your skin helps you spot changes early. Pay attention to all moles, spots, and lesions, noting their size, shape, colour, and texture. Regular self-checks allow you to detect any changes over time.

Melanoma Signs and Symptoms

Melanoma may appear as a new spot or a change in an existing mole. Normal moles are usually:

• Small and even in colour
• Symmetrical
• Stable in size and shape

Dermatologists use the ABCDE method to detect melanoma:

• A – Asymmetry: One half doesn't match the other
• B – Border: Irregular or blurry edges
• C – Colour: Multiple or uneven shades (blue, black, brown, tan)
• D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (pencil eraser)
• E – Evolution: Changes in size, shape, or colour over time
  

Any of these signs warrants a doctor's evaluation.

Something Looks Odd?

Skin regenerates constantly, so a spot that doesn't heal within a month may be deeper in the skin and should be checked. Tracking your moles over time with DermPro can help create a timeline for your doctor and spot concerning changes early.

Suspicious Mole Characteristics

See a doctor if a mole:

• Develops a crust or scab
• Sometimes bleeds
• Is itchy or tender
• Swells or grows
• Has irregular shape or borders
• Shows multiple colours
• Exceeds the size of a pencil eraser
• Appears later in life

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Symptoms

Even though melanoma is more dangerous, non-melanoma cancers need attention too.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC):

• Pearly or waxy lumps with visible blood vessels
• Red, scaly patches that grow
• Open sores or scar-like lesions
• Pink growths with slight depressions
  

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC):

• Rough, scaly patches or wart-like bumps
• Red, dome-shaped nodules
• Open sores that bleed or crust
• Bowen's disease (early SCC) may look like eczema or psoriasis
  

Other Rare Types:

• Keratoacanthomas, Merkel cell carcinoma, cutaneous lymphomas, Kaposi sarcoma, and skin adnexal tumours
• Symptoms vary, but any persistent, unusual spots should be examined
  
  

A doctor's evaluation is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Is Your Skin Changing?

Being aware of your skin is the most important step in detecting skin cancer early. Monitor your moles, spots, and any new growths. If anything persists for four weeks or longer, consult a doctor; early action is always better.

Check Your Skin with DermPro

DermPro helps you:

• Track moles and skin changes over time
• Store photos safely for comparisons
• Get instant risk indications
• Receive guidance on when to consult a doctor
  

Regular self-checks plus DermPro's app keep your skin health on track and help you detect problems early.