You've Been Diagnosed with Skin Cancer. Here Are 5 Things You Should Know.
Hearing “you have skin cancer” is scary, confusing, and probably not what you ever expected to hear. But here’s the thing: you’re not alone. There are some important skin cancer facts that can help you move forward with a little more clarity and confidence.
1. Most skin cancers are very treatable.
Not all cancers behave the same way. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas—the two most common types—are usually slow-growing and highly treatable. Even melanoma, the more aggressive type, has excellent outcomes if caught early. So try not to spiral into worst-case scenarios before you talk through your options with one of our providers.
2. Treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all.
There are many treatments for skin cancer: Mohs micrographic surgery, excisional surgery, electrodessication and curettage and radiation. The right choice for you depends on the type of cancer, where it is, and how advanced it might be. Your dermatologist will walk you through each option in plain language, not just medical terms. You deserve to understand what’s happening with your body.
Cryotherapy is quick and minimally invasive, using extreme cold to freeze and destroy abnormal cells, making it effective for precancerous lesions and some early-stage cancers. Mohs micrographic surgery provides the highest cure rates (97–99%) by examining 100% of tissue margins during the procedure, ensuring complete cancer removal while sparing as much healthy skin as possible—ideal for delicate areas like the face. Excisional surgery is thorough, removing both the tumor and surrounding tissue to reduce recurrence risk. Electrodessication and curettage (ED&C) is an option for many small, superficial cancers, using scraping and cauterization to eliminate abnormal cells. For patients who may not be candidates for surgery, radiation therapy offers a non-invasive alternative, targeting cancer cells with precise energy beams to destroy tumors while minimizing damage to nearby tissue. Together, these treatments provide effective, tailored options to treat skin cancer while balancing safety, cosmetic outcomes, and recovery.
3. Sunscreen is now non-negotiable.
Even if you were the type to “forget” SPF before, well, forget that. You have to change. Your skin has already shown it’s vulnerable, which means protecting it from further sun damage is critical. That means broad-spectrum zinc-based sunscreen every day (yes, even when it’s cloudy), hats, sunglasses, and finding shade whenever you can. Think of sun protection as part of your daily health routine, like brushing your teeth.
4. Follow-up care is for life.
Once you’ve had skin cancer, your risk of getting it again goes up. You'll need to follow all the steps to prevent skin cancer from recurring. You’ll be seeing your dermatologist on a regular basis. And you’ll want to get comfortable checking your own skin for any new or changing spots. The earlier you catch something, the easier it is to treat.
5. Your feelings are valid.
Getting a cancer diagnosis—no matter how “minor” it might sound to others—can shake you. Anxiety, frustration, even guilt (“why didn’t I wear more sunscreen?”) are normal reactions. Don’t push those feelings down. Talk to friends, join a support group, or even chat with a counselor. Taking care of your mental health will help you handle treatment and recovery.
Bottom line
Skin cancer is serious, but it’s not the end of your story. With the right treatment, protection, and support, you can move forward and keep living fully—just a little more sun-smart than before.