--- description: Learn about skin cancer, how it's diagnosed and what to do next. Clear answers and support for anyone newly facing a diagnosis. title: Newly Diagnosed with Skin Cancer image: https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/newly-diagnosed.png --- [Home](https://www.skincancer.org/) › [Skin Cancer Information](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/) › Newly Diagnosed with Skin Cancer # What to Know After a Skin Cancer Diagnosis ## Skin Cancer Information, Guidance & Support for You #### You Have Skin Cancer It can be difficult to learn that you have skin cancer. You may feel frustrated, confused and/or angry. You could be facing decisions that feel overwhelming. You might be wondering what to do next. The good news is that **you are not alone**. [Skin cancer](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/) is the world’s most common cancer; millions of people have battled it. And so can you. Your diagnosis is simply the first step. You may find peace of mind by focusing on the beneficial things you can do to be in the best position to fight skin cancer. We’re here to help you every step of the way. #### Knowledge Is Power Being well-informed about your skin cancer and the [options you have to fight it](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/treatment-glossary/) can be empowering. We encourage you to be proactive by educating yourself, advocating for yourself and [protecting your skin](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/) from [ultraviolet (UV) radiation](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/uv-radiation/) to prevent future skin cancers. Above all, remember that a healthy lifestyle and good health care go hand in hand. #### What You Can Do Now - **Contact health care providers**, including your primary care physician, specialists, your dentist and pharmacist to inform them of your diagnosis and treatments. This helps providers make informed decisions for your ongoing care. - **Ask questions.** When speaking to your doctors, take notes and make sure that you fully understand your treatment options. Ask about surgery, whether you will need a plastic surgeon, treatment side effects and what to expect during recovery. Check our [Do’s and Don’ts for Skin Cancer Patients](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/support-resources/dos-and-donts-for-skin-cancer-patients/) for more helpful tips. - **Find the support** **you need to cope**. We hope you will discuss nutrition, exercise, relaxation or stress-relieving activities, sleep needs and more with your health care team. Reach out to skin cancer communities online for peer support. Check our [support resources](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/support-resources/) page for a list of organizations that may be able to help. - **Take a deep breath.** You’re stronger than you think, and you will get through this. See below for advice from people who have battled skin cancer and want to support you. ![]() ## ![]() ## ![]() ## ![]() ## ![]() ## ![]() ## ![]() ## ![]() ## ![]() ## ![]() ## ![]() ## ![]() ## ![]() ## ![]() ## ![]() ## ![]() ## ![]() ## ![]() ## ![]() ## ![]() ## ![]() ## ![]() ## ![]() ## - [Skin Cancer Types](#101) - [Skin Cancer FAQs](#q_a) - [Do’s & Don’ts for Skin Cancer Patients](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/support-resources/dos-and-donts-for-skin-cancer-patients/) - [Skin Cancer Pictures](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-pictures/) - [Skin Cancer Treatment Glossary](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/treatment-glossary/) - [Mohs Surgery for the Newly Diagnosed](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/mohs-surgery-for-the-newly-diagnosed-what-you-need-to-know/) - [Skin Cancer Warrior Stories](#video) - [Skin Cancer Awareness Toolkit](#toolkit) - [Skin Cancer Support Resources](#support) - [Advanced Skin Cancers](#advanced) - [Skin Cancer in People of Color](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-skin-of-color/) - [9 Tips for Taking Your Medication Safely](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/nine-tips-for-taking-your-medication-safely-what-skin-cancer-patients-need-to-know/) ### Know your skin cancer type Understanding the [type of skin cancer](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/back-basics-understanding-worlds-common-cancer/) you have will determine what your treatment and recovery will look like. Get more information on the types of skin cancers here: - [Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)](#basal) - [Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)](#squamous) - [Melanoma](#melanoma) - [Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC)](#merkel) - [Rare skin cancers](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/rare-skin-cancers/) ![](https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2024-03-14-at-3.28.56 PM.png "gated_skin_cancer_101") ## Download Our Skin Cancer Information PDF Name \* First Last Email \* Checkboxes - I would like to receive emails from the Skin Cancer Foundation Submit![Loading]() Thank you for your interest in raising awareness about skin cancer! You'll receive an email with a link to download the Skin Cancer Information PDF. Submit Again ### Skin Cancer FAQs #### Why did I get skin cancer? The two main causes of skin cancer are the sun’s harmful [ultraviolet (UV) rays](http://skincancer.org/risk-factors/uv-radiation/) and using UV [tanning](http://skincancer.org/risk-factors/tanning/) beds. The good news is that these [risk factors](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/) can be controlled by you, by [protecting your skin](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/). In addition to UV exposure, risk factors associated with skin cancer including [skin type](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/skin-type/) (people with light skin and eyes have a higher skin cancer risk) [genetics](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/melanoma-causes-and-risk-factors/#genetic) (about one in every 10 patients diagnosed with melanoma has a family member with a history of the disease) having [atypical moles](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/atypical-moles/) and having a weakened immune system due to medications or medical condition. #### What are my treatment options? The terminology around skin cancer treatment can be confusing. Our skin cancer treatment pages provide physician-reviewed information about each option, written in a way that is easy to understand. Options vary and are specific to the type of skin cancer you have, and your overall health, among other things. So be sure to review the treatment page that matches your diagnosis: [Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment](http://skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/bcc-treatment-options/) [Melanoma Treatment](http://skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/melanoma-treatments/) [Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment](http://skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/mcc-treatment/) [Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment](http://skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/scc-treatment-options/) [Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/advanced-scc/) [Rare Skin Cancer Information & Treatment](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/rare-skin-cancers/) [Skin Cancer Treatment Glossary](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/treatment-glossary/) [Mohs Surgery for the Newly Diagnosed](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/mohs-surgery-for-the-newly-diagnosed-what-you-need-to-know/) Above all, advocate for yourself! Be sure to speak with your medical team in detail about your treatment options, and ask for clarification on anything you are uncertain about. #### Is skin cancer surgery painful? Be sure to discuss pain with your surgeon before the procedure; ask questions and take notes. Your type or stage of skin cancer can affect your pain level during reconstruction. Depending on the size and location of the wound, the repair may be done using [flap surgery](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/what-is-the-flap-technique-in-skin-cancer-surgery/). In the case of a more aggressive skin cancer where a wider or deeper removal may be required, there can be more pain associated with the [reconstruction](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/what-is-the-flap-technique-in-skin-cancer-surgery/) done to close the wound. Pain tolerance is sometimes influenced by factors including the patient’s age, gender and genetics. For example, a young child may have a lower pain threshold compared to an adult. Women may report more sensitivity to pain than men. Stress and patient expectations can also play a role. Patients experiencing a high level of stress prior to surgery and those anticipating severe pain may report more pain. Overall, how a patient experiences pain varies; it’s hard for physicians to generalize how you’ll feel. #### Will I have a scar? If your skin cancer is treated early on, when it’s small, you may not have a noticeable scar. If you need surgery to remove it, you probably will end up with some kind of scar. It’s important to know that the wound that will be created during surgery will often be larger than you may expect. There may be extensions, or “roots,” of the cancer that are not visible from the surface that will be discovered during surgery, requiring the removal of more tissue. No matter what, your scar is a badge of courage and demonstrates the healing power of your own skin. Learn [more about scars](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/embrace-your-scars/) here. #### Do I have to get my skin cancer treated quickly? The short answer is yes. [Our experts agree](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/the-clock-starts-now/) that when you’ve been diagnosed with a skin cancer, time is of the essence, meaning you should get treated as early as possible. Skin cancer is serious and treatment should not be delayed. **Melanoma:** Melanoma can be invasive and deadly when treatment is delayed. A study in *JAMA Dermatology* found that melanoma patients treated within 30 days of the biopsy had a better outcome than those who waited. **Nonmelanoma skin cancers:** If you are diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)and need surgery to remove it, it’s always better to do it when it’s small. While BCCs often grow slowly, they may bleed, get scabby and unsightly, and invade deep into local tissue. Left untreated, they can eat through muscle, even bone, and that can make surgery more difficult and disfiguring. SCCs can attach themselves to local lymph nodes and spread to some organs, and can become deadly. The latest figures suggest that each year, about twice as many people die from SCC than from melanoma. #### Will my children get skin cancer? While skin cancer is the world’s most common cancer, it is uncommon in children, with only about [300 new cases](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/#pediatrics) per year in the U.S. But skin cancer can occur in children and adolescents. In fact, melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer, is the second most common cancer in people aged 15 to 29. [Risk factors](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/) for [childhood melanoma](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/when-a-child-gets-skin-cancer/) include genetic predisposition and family history. Additional risk factors include light skin and a high level of [ultraviolet (UV) radiation](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/uv-radiation/) exposure — specifically, intense sun exposure early in life. Knowing what to look for, and detecting skin cancer early is crucial. Monthly skin self-exams help children and their parents get keep an eye out for anything [ new, changing or unusual](https://thebigsee.org/). If your child has a spot that just doesn’t seem right, [have it checked](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/childhood-skin-cancer/) by a physician. The [earlier a skin cancer is detected](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/), the easier it is to treat and cure #### Will my skin cancer come back? There are many factors that contribute to whether or not your skin cancer will return, including what kind of skin cancer you have, how early it was detected and treated, and the method used to treat that cancer. [Get more information](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-expert-can-skin-cancer-come-back/) from our expert. About 60 percent of people who have had one skin cancer will be diagnosed with a second one within 10 years, says a 2015 study in *JAMA Dermatology*. If you’ve had one type of skin cancer, statistics show you are also at risk for the other types, including [melanoma](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/), which can be life-threatening. Get information about having skin cancer [more than once](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/more-than-one/). Learn about how AI can help [predict the likelihood](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-how-will-artificial-intelligence-ai-help-skin-cancer/) of skin cancer recurrence. #### How is skin cancer diagnosed? Skin cancer is diagnosed with a biopsy. A [dermatologist](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/find-a-dermatologist/) removes all or part of the suspicious spot, and a pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope to confirm whether cancer is present and what type. Appearance alone can’t confirm it — which is why [a monthly self-exam to catch anything new](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/self-exams/) or changing is so important. #### What are the early stages of skin cancer? In its earliest stages, skin cancer is small, localized and hasn’t spread — the point at which it’s most treatable. For melanoma, that’s stage 0 (in situ) or stage I; for [basal](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/) and [squamous cell carcinoma](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/), it means the lesion is still confined to where it started. [Early detection](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/) matters: when melanoma is caught early, the five-year survival rate is 99 percent. ### Understanding Skin Cancer What is skin cancer? What does it look like, what causes it and how is it treated? Get the answers to these questions and more in this educational overview of the world’s most common cancer. ### Skin Cancer Warriors Share their Stories Katie’s message to all skin cancer warriors: “Do things for yourself. Set healthy boundaries. Practice sun safety. You have so many people on social media to support you. You’ve got this!” “Find the best help that you can.” Luis was diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare, aggressive skin cancer. He and his physician offer advice for people newly diagnosed with MCC. ### Advanced Skin Cancers Thanks to increased public awareness and advances in [early detection](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/), skin cancers today are often diagnosed and treated in the early stage. Still, any type of skin cancer, whether common or rare, can grow, spread and become dangerous or even life-threatening. If you are diagnosed with any form of skin cancer that becomes advanced, whether it’s a BCC, SCC, melanoma or Merkel cell carcinoma, you should always ask your dermatologist if you need to see a medical oncologist. Advanced skin cancers often require a multidisciplinary health care team. Check the links below for more information and resources for patients with advanced skin cancers. - [10 Things Everyone Should Know About Advanced Skin Cancers](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/10-things-everyone-should-know-about-advanced-skin-cancers/) - [Building Your Skin Cancer Team](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/building-your-skin-cancer-team/) - [When a Common Skin Cancer Advances](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/when-a-common-skin-cancer-advances/) - [Coping with Advanced Melanoma During Pregnancy](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/coping-with-advanced-melanoma-during-pregnancy/) - [Trial and Error: A Dermatologist Diagnosed with Advanced Skin Cancer](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/trial-and-error/) - [Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/advanced-scc/) - [Advanced Melanoma Treatment](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/melanoma-treatments/) - [Clinical Trials Finder](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/support-resources/#finder) ***Note:** The Skin Cancer Foundation provides a link to external search tools to help you locate health care programs. These links are provided as a resource and do not signify our endorsement of the programs listed therein.* ### Skin Cancer Support Resources A skin cancer diagnosis can be physically, emotionally and financially challenging. You’re not alone. Our [Robins Nest](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/support-resources/robins-nest/) program provides you with a carefully curated list of organizations that offer assistance with insurance, health care costs, transportation, coping support and other issues that arise with a skin cancer diagnosis. - [Robins Nest Support Resources](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/support-resources/) - [Merkel Cell Carcinoma Patient Support](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/mcc-patient-support/) [![Robins-Nest-Color-600x526]( "Robins-Nest-Color-600x526")](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/support-resources/) ## Sun & Skin News [Sunscreen Safety: The Facts](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/sunscreen-safety/)![Misinformation about sunscreen safety has been circulating on social media for years. The most recent claim, that wearing sunscreen is harmful and may even cause skin cancer, is not only false but dangerous. We asked a top expert to weigh in on this concerning trend.]() [Healthy Lifestyle](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/healthy-lifestyle/) [Skin Cancer Myths & Misinformation](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/skin-cancer-myths-misinformation/) ### [Sunscreen Safety: The Facts](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/sunscreen-safety/) [Ask The Expert: How to Apply Sunscreen](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-how-to-apply-sunscreen/)![Woman applying sunscreen, Maldives]() [Ask the Expert](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/ask-the-expert/) [Healthy Lifestyle](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/healthy-lifestyle/) ### [Ask The Expert: How to Apply Sunscreen](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-how-to-apply-sunscreen/) [Ask the Expert: Best Advice for a First-Time Skin Cancer Diagnosis?](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-best-advice-for-a-first-time-skin-cancer-diagnosis/)![You've just been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma. Now what? First, do not panic. You’re not alone, and you’re going to be OK. Skin cancer is very common — more common than all other forms of cancer combined. Here's advice from our medical expert about what to do next.]() [Ask the Expert](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/ask-the-expert/) ### [Ask the Expert: Best Advice for a First-Time Skin Cancer Diagnosis?](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-best-advice-for-a-first-time-skin-cancer-diagnosis/) [A Melanoma Expert’s Best Advice on How to Beat It](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/a-melanoma-experts-best-advice-on-how-to-beat-it/)![Steven Q. Wang, MD, a renowned skin cancer expert, walks patients through every phase of a melanoma diagnosis in his latest book, Beating Melanoma.]() [News & Research](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/news-research/) ### [A Melanoma Expert’s Best Advice on How to Beat It](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/a-melanoma-experts-best-advice-on-how-to-beat-it/) [Ask the Expert: How Will Artificial Intelligence (AI) Help Skin Cancer?](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-how-will-artificial-intelligence-ai-help-skin-cancer/)![AI is making headlines in all fields, including skin cancer. One expert tells us how dermatologists can work with the technology to improve the detection and treatment of skin cancer.]() [Ask the Expert](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/ask-the-expert/) [News & Research](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/news-research/) [Skin Cancer Information](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/skin-cancer-information/) [The Skin Cancer Foundation Journal](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/the-skin-cancer-foundation-journal/) ### [Ask the Expert: How Will Artificial Intelligence (AI) Help Skin Cancer?](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-how-will-artificial-intelligence-ai-help-skin-cancer/) [Ask the Expert: Can a Tattoo Increase Skin Cancer Risk?](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-can-a-tattoo-increase-skin-cancer-risk/)![People who have had skin cancer are always at higher risk of developing future skin cancers, but tattoos do not increase that risk. However, it’s never a good idea to have a tattoo placed too close to (or over) a mole.]() [Ask the Expert](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/ask-the-expert/) [Healthy Lifestyle](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/healthy-lifestyle/) [The Skin Cancer Foundation Journal](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/the-skin-cancer-foundation-journal/) ### [Ask the Expert: Can a Tattoo Increase Skin Cancer Risk?](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-can-a-tattoo-increase-skin-cancer-risk/) [Skin Cancer Information](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/ "Early Detection Self-Exams") [Early Detection Self-Exams](http://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/self-exams/) [BCC](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/ "Early Detection Annual Exams") [Early Detection Annual Exams](http://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/annual-exams/) [SCC](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/ "Early Detection Annual Exams") [Early Detection Annual Exams](http://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/annual-exams/) [Melanoma](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/ "Early Detection Annual Exams") [Early Detection Annual Exams](http://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/annual-exams/) ### Skin Cancer Awareness Toolkit ![Skin Cancer Awareness poster on a yellow background.]( "skin-cancer-awareness-knowledge-is-power") [Download Image](https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/6-1.png) ![Melanoma Awareness graphic with a black awareness ribbon.]( "melanoma-awareness") [Download Image](https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/5-2.png) ![Basal cell carcinoma awareness poster with the text "Knowledge Is Power".]( "basal-cell-carcinoma-awareness") [Download Image](https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/3-1.png) ![Squamous cell carcinoma awareness image.]( "squamous-cell-carcinoma-awareness.jpg") [Download Image](https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/4-1.png) ![Merkel Cell Carcinoma Awareness. Knowledge is Power. Skin Cancer Foundation.]( "merkel-cell-carcinoma-awareness") [Download Image](https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2-5.png) ![Acral Lentiginous Melanoma Awareness. Knowledge Is Power. Skin Cancer Foundation.]( "acral-lentiginous-melanoma-awareness") [Download Image](https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/1-3.png) [![A blue background with a yellow, scalloped banner that reads "I am a warrior, Skin Cancer" with the Skin Cancer Foundation logo.]( "I-am-a-warrior-against-skin-cancer")](https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2-7-819x1024.png) [Download Image](https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2-7.png) [![1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70]( "SCFSummerToolkit2")](https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/SCFSummerToolkit2-1024x768.jpg) [Download Image](https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/SCFSummerToolkit2.jpg) [![]( "SCFSkinCancerPrevention-sq-600x600")](https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/SCFSkinCancerPrevention-sq-600x600-1.jpg) [Download Poster](https://www.skincancer.org/download-pdf/) [![When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99%]( "SCFSummerToolkit11")](https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/SCFSummerToolkit11-1024x768.jpg) [Download Image](https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/SCFSummerToolkit11.jpg) [![BCC is serious and should be addressed as soon as possible]( "SCFSummerToolkit7")](https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/SCFSummerToolkit7-1024x768.jpg) [Download Image](https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/SCFSummerToolkit11.jpg) [![Musician Bob Marley was diagnosed with acral lentiginous melanoma, which claimed his life at 36]( "SCFSummerToolkit13")](https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/SCFSummerToolkit13-1024x768.jpg) [Download Image](https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/SCFSummerToolkit13.jpg) [![The two main causes of skin cancer are the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and the use of UV tanning beds]( "SCFSummerToolkit8")](https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/SCFSummerToolkit8-1024x768.jpg) [Download Image](https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/SCFSummerToolkit11.jpg) Last updated: September 2026 Open menu Menu Close menu SearchSearch ```json {"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/newly-diagnosed-with-skin-cancer\/","url":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/newly-diagnosed-with-skin-cancer\/","name":"What to Know After a Skin Cancer Diagnosis","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/newly-diagnosed-with-skin-cancer\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/newly-diagnosed-with-skin-cancer\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/newly-diagnosed.png","datePublished":"2024-03-14T17:58:08+00:00","dateModified":"2026-09-01T13:26:40+00:00","description":"Learn about skin cancer, how it's diagnosed and what to do next. 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We empower people to take a proactive approach to daily sun protection and the early detection and treatment of skin cancer.","email":"info@skincancer.org","telephone":"(212) 725-5176","legalName":"The Skin Cancer Foundation"}]} { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Why did I get skin cancer?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The two main causes of skin cancer are the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and using UV tanning beds. In addition to UV exposure, risk factors include skin type (people with light skin and eyes have a higher risk), genetics (about one in every 10 patients diagnosed with melanoma has a family member with a history of the disease), having atypical moles, and having a weakened immune system due to medications or a medical condition." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are my treatment options for skin cancer?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Treatment options vary depending on the type of skin cancer you have and your overall health. Options include surgery, Mohs surgery, radiation, and systemic therapies. Specific treatments are available for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), and advanced skin cancers. Be sure to speak with your medical team in detail about your options and ask for clarification on anything you are uncertain about." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is skin cancer surgery painful?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Pain levels vary depending on the type and stage of skin cancer, the size and location of the wound, and individual factors such as age, gender, genetics, stress, and patient expectations. In cases of more aggressive skin cancers requiring wider or deeper removal, there can be more pain associated with the reconstruction needed to close the wound. Discuss pain management with your surgeon before the procedure." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Will I have a scar after skin cancer surgery?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If your skin cancer is treated early, when it is small, you may not have a noticeable scar. If surgery is needed, you will likely have some kind of scar. The wound created during surgery is often larger than expected, as there may be extensions or \"roots\" of the cancer not visible from the surface that are discovered during surgery, requiring the removal of more tissue." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I have to get my skin cancer treated quickly?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Skin cancer is serious and treatment should not be delayed. For melanoma, patients treated within 30 days of biopsy have better outcomes. For basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), treating the cancer while it is small reduces the risk of deeper invasion, disfigurement, and spread. SCCs can spread to lymph nodes and organs and can become deadly." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Will my children get skin cancer?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Skin cancer is uncommon in children, with about 300 new cases per year in the U.S. However, melanoma is the second most common cancer in people aged 15 to 29. Risk factors for childhood melanoma include genetic predisposition, family history, light skin, and high levels of UV radiation exposure early in life. Monthly skin self-exams help parents and children watch for new, changing, or unusual spots. The earlier skin cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat and cure." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Will my skin cancer come back?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Whether skin cancer returns depends on the type of cancer, how early it was detected and treated, and the treatment method used. About 60 percent of people who have had one skin cancer will be diagnosed with a second one within 10 years, according to a 2015 study in JAMA Dermatology. Having had one type of skin cancer also puts you at risk for other types, including melanoma. Regular follow-up with your dermatologist is important." } } ] } ```