Skin cancer warning signs you might miss as you get older

What to know about non-healing sores, changing moles and the importance of a full-body skin check

(Aging Untold) — Skin cancer does not always appear as a changing mole.

Warning signs people may overlook

Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, said some warning signs people often miss include sores that do not heal and moles that bleed easily.

She noted that moles can change over time, something people do not always keep track of, and explained what doctors evaluate.

“We look at the asymmetry, how symmetric is it? Is it the border of it? Does it change? The color, the color can change. The diameter, and then evolving. Is it changing in its appearance to you?” Rogers said.

Gerontologist “Sam” Cradduck added that even spots someone has had for years deserve attention.

“A millimeter can matter a lot,” Cradduck said.

She said people should notice whether a mole has grown, lost symmetry or begun to bleed.

Where skin cancer can hide

Although people are often told to look at sun-exposed skin, Rogers said cancer can also appear in less obvious places.

“You have to look everywhere because they can hide,” Rogers said. “They can be behind your ears, between your toes, underneath the nails.”

She added that a doctor’s exam or another person’s help can reveal areas people cannot easily see, such as the scalp.

“They don’t always look scary,” Rogers said. “But that’s what makes them so dangerous.”

Aging expert Amy O’Rourke described her own experience after seeing a dermatologist about a brown spot on her cheek.

A full-body exam uncovered cancer on the top of her head, she said. It was squamous cell, and she had surgery.

Aging well coach Katherie Ambrose said she recently found a dermatologist, had a full-body scan and her husband did too.

Rogers suggested checking with insurance, since some plans cover an annual dermatology visit in the same way they cover a well-woman exam.

Risk factors and sun damage

O’Rourke said about three-quarters of her family has had skin cancer.

When asked whether the risk is genetic or environmental, Rogers said fair skin is a risk factor, along with age and family history.

“So probably both,” she said.

Discussing sun damage, Rogers warned that UVA and UVB rays are invisible and can pass through glass.

She said melanoma is usually tied to intense, intermittent but deep sunburns.

“It spreads very quickly,” Rogers said. “So you definitely want to pay attention.”

She added that melanoma often looks more like a mole, while squamous cell and basal cell cancers are more likely to appear pink, itchy or as sores that do not heal.

Rogers also pushed back on the myth that African Americans do not need sunscreen.

“Yes, you need sunscreen,” Rogers said.

She said sunscreen helps protect cells and DNA from damage.

Sun protection

Beyond sunscreen, the hosts said sun-protective clothing is another option, including rash guards, sun guards, UV clothing and wide-brimmed hats.

Key takeaways

1. Skin cancer can appear in unexpected places, including the scalp, ears or under the nails.
2. Be alert for warning signs such as sores that will not heal or shiny bumps on the skin.
3. At your annual dermatology visit, ask for a full-body exam and about mole mapping to help track changes over time.