Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Certain sensations affecting the skin, including itching, tenderness, pain, or a burning feeling, may indicate the presence of skin cancer.

The World Cancer Research Fund notes that skin cancer is the seventeenth most common cancer across the globe. Skin cancer is a global menace, but it might be a greater concern for some than others. The United States had the highest skin cancer incidence rate in 2022, while Canada had the eighth highest incidence rate of the disease of any country across the globe. Though no one is immune to cancer, Americans and Canadians may need to be especially vigilant if they hope to reduce their risk for the disease.

One of the steps anyone can take to improve their stance in the fight against skin cancer is to learn to spot signs and symptoms of the disease. The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the more treatable it is and the better the prognosis. The MD Anderson Cancer Center notes that skin cancer may not show clear physical signs at first, which can delay detection. But certain sensations affecting the skin, including itching, tenderness, pain, or a burning feeling, may indicate the presence of skin cancer. When early symptoms are visible, they may include:

n A new spot on the skin

n Changes in an existing mole or spot that alter its size, shape or color

n A shiny bump on the skin, which may be red or skin-colored

n A rough, red patch that feels dry or scaly

n A spot that itches or hurts

The presence of any of these symptoms is not necessarily indicative of skin cancer, but they should be brought to the attention of a health care professional immediately.

As skin cancer worsens, symptoms might change. In such instances, the MDACC notes a person can be on the lookout for various signs, including:

n A sore that does not heal

n A raised bump with a center that bleeds or forms a scab

n A bump that looks like a wart

n A scar-like area with no clear edge

n A mole that changes quickly or one that features uneven edges or colors

Anyone concerned about their skin cancer risk is urged to speak with a health care professional regarding what they can do to protect their skin. Additional information about skin cancer and its symptoms is available at mdanderson.org.