EXPLAINER | Skin cancer: How to protect your skin and what warning signs to look for

As summer approaches and outdoor activities increase, safeguarding one's skin from sun-induced damage becomes crucial. Skin cancer can start with minor alterations that may be easily disregarded, like a sore that doesn't heal, a new bump, a patch that continually crusts or bleeds, or a mole that begins to alter. Anyone, regardless of skin tone, can be affected by skin cancer.

The World Health Organization added broad-spectrum sunscreen to its Essential Medicines List for skin cancer prevention in 2025. Professor Chrysis Sofianos, Director of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of the Witwatersrand, emphasized in a Health-e News op-ed that seemingly minor skin changes can become more challenging to treat if ignored.

People with albinism, who have little or no melanin, are especially susceptible as melanin normally offers some protection from UV radiation.

To prevent skin cancer, protection is only part of the solution. Skin cancer often goes unnoticed because it doesn't always appear dramatic or cause pain. Regularly inspecting your own skin can help identify new or changing developments. Early detection is vital, and any suspicious skin alterations should be examined by a healthcare professional.

If you observe a persistent new growth, a sore that doesn't heal, repeated bleeding or crusts, or a spot or mole that's changing, it's essential to have it checked by a healthcare professional. Remember, skin cancers can start painlessly, and early lesions may resemble ordinary sores, spots, or moles. Detecting skin cancers at an earlier stage typically allows for easier treatment, while delayed diagnosis might result in more extensive procedures.

Consistent sun protection and vigilance in monitoring skin changes can decrease the risk of serious UV damage and facilitate earlier assessment of suspicious lesions.