Ahead of World Cancer Day on February 4, people are being urged to be aware of the early signs of the disease that could lead to them getting an early diagnosis and having a better chance of seeing it off. Skin cancer expert Dr Emily Alfonsi from Shade Skin has spoken about the lesser-known signs.
While many associate the disease with changes in moles, subtle symptoms elsewhere on the body can be just as important.
Dr Alfonsi said: “People often assume that skin cancer always presents as a dark, irregular mole. In reality, some of the most concerning cases appear in ways that are easy to dismiss. If something on your skin looks or feels different, it is always worth getting checked.”
Unexpected signs that could indicate cancer
Dr Alfonsi explains that there are several warning signs people tend to overlook, including:
-
Persistent itching or tingling in one spot – Some skin cancers affect the nerves, leading to unusual sensations before visible changes appear.
-
A sore that keeps healing and reopening – Skin cancer lesions can look like small wounds that seem to improve but never fully go away.
-
Dimpling or waxy patches on the skin – Certain types of skin cancer create an area that appears tighter, shinier or slightly sunken.
-
Red streaks or dark bruising under the nails – A sign of nail bed melanoma, often mistaken for an injury that fails to heal.
-
Loss of eyebrow or eyelash hair – If skin cancer forms near a hair follicle, it may cause hair loss in a specific patch.
Lesser-known risks and gaps in protection
Dr Alfonsi also warns that while excessive sun exposure remains a leading cause, there are other risk factors people rarely consider:
-
UV exposure from gel manicures – The nail lamps used in salons emit UV rays that can increase the risk of skin damage on the hands.
-
Missed areas when applying sunscreen – Commonly forgotten spots include the scalp, eyelids, lips and tops of the ears.
-
Medications that heighten sun sensitivity – Some antibiotics, blood pressure tablets and acne treatments can make skin more vulnerable to damage.
-
Prolonged exposure to certain indoor lights – While not a primary cause, some high-intensity lighting may contribute to long-term UV exposure in high-risk individuals.
Dr Alfonsi, from Shade Skin, said: “People often wait until they notice something obvious, but many serious skin cancers start with subtle signs. If a mark, sensation or patch of skin seems out of the ordinary, seek advice from a professional. Early diagnosis significantly improves outcomes.”