Skin Cancer Awareness Month: What to Look for, and Tips for Enjoying the Sun Safely
May was Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and even though we're now into June, the timing couldn't be better to talk about sun safety. As Canadians head outdoors to enjoy the summer sun, it's a great time to review how to protect our skin, what to watch for, and when to see a healthcare provider.
Screening Guidelines
Currently, the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care does not recommend routine skin cancer screening for the general population.1 That said, screening is still important for people at higher risk. You may be at high risk if you have: a personal or family history of melanoma, many moles, very fair skin, red or blond hair, a history of severe sunburns, or a history of indoor tanning.2 It’s recommended that high-risk individuals be screened by a dermatologist or primary care provider, while the general population can benefit from regular self-examinations.1
The ABCDEs of Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, but if caught early, it’s highly treatable. The ABCDE rule is a simple tool on how to spot a suspicious mole.3
- A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn't match the other half.
- B – Border irregularity: The edges are ragged, uneven, or blurred rather than smooth.
- C – Colour: The mole has multiple colours, i.e., different shades of brown, black, tan, or even patches of red, white, or blue.
- D – Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 mm across, roughly the size of a pencil eraser.
- E – Evolution: The mole is changing in size, shape, or colour over time.
If a mole meets one or more of these criteria, it's worth having a healthcare professional take a closer look. Another helpful concept is the "ugly duckling" sign, which refers to a mole that appears different from all the others on your body. Studies show that combining the “ugly duckling” sign with the ABCDE rule can improve detection.3
It's important to note that the ABCDE rule works best for the most common types of melanoma, and some others may have features not always captured by the ABCDE criteria. If you notice any new, rapidly growing bump on your skin, it’s recommended you get it checked.
Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common types of skin cancers2, and like melanomas, both are highly treatable if caught early. Both BCCs and SCCs typically appear on areas of skin that get a lot of sunlight, i.e., your face, neck, ears, lips, cheeks, top of head, nose, shoulders, lips, and hands.4 Despite BCC and SCC often having different presentations, we can use the following tips to help decide if a lesion needs further attention:
- A “pimple” or dry patch that doesn’t go away. It may be skin coloured, red, pink, brown, and have tiny blood vessels on the surface.
- A non-healing sore. A scab or lesion on a sun-exposed area that crusts over, bleeds easily, and doesn’t seem to go away.
Or any of the following that appears suddenly on a sun exposed area, refuses to heal, or doesn’t respond to any typical over-the-counter treatments:
- Scar-like lesion.
- Wart-like growth.
- Rough, scaly, or glossy patch.
Tips for Protecting Your Skin
Over 90% of all skin cancers are attributable to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and artificial tanning devices.2 Below are some evidence-based prevention strategies you can use, especially during the summer months:4
- Seek shade during peak hours. UV radiation is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. When possible, plan outdoor activities for the morning or late afternoon, and use shade structures when the sun is at its peak.
- Wear protective clothing. A wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and clothing that covers your arms and legs provide a physical barrier against UV rays. This is considered a first-line defense, even more reliable than sunscreen alone.
- Use and reapply broad-spectrum sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it generously, at least 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours (more if you're swimming or sweating). Don’t forget SPF lip balm!
- Avoid indoor tanning. Tanning beds are a proven cause of melanoma. Having more than 10 tanning sessions has been linked to a 34% increased risk of melanoma. There is no such thing as a "safe" tan from a tanning bed.
- Protect children especially. UV exposure during childhood and adolescence has the strongest connection to skin cancer later in life. Hats, sunscreen, shade, and protective clothing should be part of every outdoor outing.
- Perform regular skin self-exams. Once a month, check your skin from head to toe in a well-lit room. Look for new spots, changing moles, or anything that fits the ABCDE criteria. Don't forget to check your scalp, between your toes, and under your nails.
Skin cancer is common, but it’s also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when caught early. You don't need to avoid the outdoors, just be smart about how you enjoy it. Know your risk factors, protect your skin, check your moles, and see a doctor if anything concerns you. Summer is here, enjoy it safely!
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Dr. Anna Bullen, ND is a registered naturopathic doctor in Ontario. Originally from Virginia, USA, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Virginia Tech University before moving to Canada to pursue integrative healthcare and naturopathic medicine. Anna’s clinical areas of focus include dermatology, mental health, gastrointestinal health, and LGBTQIA2S+ health.
When she’s not seeing patients, you can most likely find Anna knitting or hiking with her dog Birdie.
References
- Screening for Reducing Morbidity and Mortality in Malignant Melanoma. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2019. Johansson M, Brodersen J, Gøtzsche PC, Jørgensen KJ.
- Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Facts & Figures. American Cancer Society (2025). 2025. Rick Alteri, Deana Baptiste, Emily Butler Bell, et al
- Early Diagnosis of Cutaneous Melanoma: Revisiting the ABCD Criteria. The Journal of the American Medical Association. 2004. Abbasi NR, Shaw HM, Rigel DS, et al
- Fu S, Kim S, Wasko C. Dermatological Guide for Primary Care Physicians: Full Body Skin Checks, Skin Cancer Detection, and Patient Education on Self-Skin Checks and Sun Protection. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2024;37(4):647-654.
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