Do I have skin cancer? I wonder this often. I’ve had tons of sunburns. Moles and freckles populate my skin everywhere. Dermatologists removed 2 of them. And there’s the family history of skin cancer to consider.
But how do you know if you have skin cancer? What does it look like? Are you at risk? Find answers at UVA Health’s annual FREE skin cancer screening.
None of us should ignore the risk of skin cancer. There’s the scary fact that skin cancer left unchecked can spread to your lungs and brain. That’s why we offer skin cancer screenings and brought together this Skin Cancer 101 guide.
In our myths and facts article, learn that:
Of course, the best treatment for melanoma or any skin cancer is prevention. You need to use sunscreen more often than you might think.
You should also consider going to the dermatologist for screenings. If you’re at all unsure what to look for, you’ll want a specialist to do a skin check from head to toe.
At UVA Health, we offer the latest advances in skin cancer treatment, including treatment for the most serious form of skin cancer, melanoma.
Our experts have the skills to treat even the most difficult skin cancers. Take, for instance, what happened to Marcia Oglesby. She had melanoma on her finger. Doctors wanted to amputate. Getting a second opinion at UVA Health meant she kept her finger. That’s because we had skin cancer specialists who could work with a hand surgeon to perform a successful operation.
You have questions. Or maybe you just don’t know what you don’t know. The articles in this guide dig in. Keep reading — then make sure to share with those you care about.
One bad sunburn as a kid doubles your chance of melanoma. Learn more scary facts, plus how to protect your kids from skin cancer from sun.
If you’re taking medications or using skincare products that make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, be extra cautious to avoid skin damage from a bad sunburn.
Two dermatologists address common myths and misconceptions that may keep people of color from taking sun protection seriously.
Jamie needed surgery to remove his melanoma and reconstruct his eyelid. Now he's doing his best to prevent skin cancer in his son.
When Marcia was diagnosed with melanoma in her pinky finger, her first doctor recommended amputation. Instead of accepting this, she got multiple opinions and found a surgery team at UVA who could save her finger.
For people with certain genetic disorders, extreme sun sensitivity is a symptom that requires more than just sunscreen. Experts shed some light on these rare health conditions that are worsened by the sun.
Carolyn Blackwell-Stark came to UVA to be treated for melanoma. The cancer eventually spread to her brain. Watch her story about Gamma Knife surgery.
Researchers at the School of Medicine and UVA Cancer Center are seeing great promise in an experimental cancer drug that may help stop melanoma, along with other forms of cancer.
With UVA dermatologist Mark Russell, MD Myth #1: Skin cancer only affects people with light or fair skin. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. Although more common in those with a fair complexion, it does not discriminate against skin color, race, age or any other demographics.…
My battle with cancer started in 1994. There was an unusual mole on the back of my left shoulder blade. I had it removed and they told me it was stage 2 melanoma.
Get stories & health tips every week