Now that May is here and Skin Cancer Awareness Month is underway, health experts are urging people to take a closer look at changes on their skin — especially spots that may seem harmless at first glance. Sunspots, often called age spots, are common and typically benign. But in some cases, similar-looking marks can signal something far more serious, including skin cancer.
Both sunspots and skin cancer are linked to ultraviolet (UV) exposure and often appear in the same areas, such as the face, shoulders and hands. While sunspots are usually flat, round and painless, cancerous lesions may change shape, bleed, itch or fail to heal. Some forms, like melanoma, can develop quickly and spread if not caught early, making it critical to recognize when a spot is no longer behaving normally.
Because the differences aren’t always obvious, experts recommend paying attention to changes in size, color or texture and seeking medical evaluation when something seems unusual. Early detection remains one of the most important factors in successful treatment. As awareness grows this May, the message is clear: what looks like a minor cosmetic concern could, in some cases, be an early warning sign worth taking seriously.
SOURCE:
Health, May 6, 2025