20/06/2026 04:58 - Salud
Dermatólogo profesional examinando con dermatoscopio un lunar en el brazo de un paciente, consultorio médico moderno iluminado, primer plano de la piel con aumento, ambiente clínico pero cálido
World Skin Cancer Day raises awareness about a disease that continues to increase worldwide. Dermatologists warn that sun damage begins in childhood and accumulates throughout life. Your skin has memory, and childhood sunburns significantly increase the risk of developing melanoma in adulthood.
Experts agree that early detection is the best treatment. When skin cancer is detected in its initial stages, cure probabilities are very high. Regular dermatologist visits and self-examinations are essential for protecting your health.
Dermatologists recommend following the ABCDE mnemonic rule to evaluate moles and skin spots:
| Letter | Meaning | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| A | Asymmetry | One half of the mole does not match the other |
| B | Border | Irregular, jagged, or poorly defined edges |
| C | Color | Non-uniform color (shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue) |
| D | Diameter | Larger than 6 millimeters (pencil eraser size) |
| E | Evolution | Changes in size, shape, color, or appearance |
If a mole shows any of these characteristics or begins to bleed, itch, or cause pain, consult a specialist immediately.
Basal Cell Carcinoma: The most common type, usually appearing in sun-exposed areas. It grows slowly and rarely metastasizes.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The second most common, can appear in scars, chronic wounds, or sun-exposed areas.
Melanoma: The most aggressive type, originating in melanocytes (pigment-producing cells). It represents only 1% of cases but causes most skin cancer deaths.
Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and, when detected early, has one of the highest survival rates. With proper sun protection, regular check-ups, and knowledge of warning signs, you can dramatically reduce your risk and detect lesions in their most treatable stages.
Regular dermatologist consultations can save lives. Prevention is the best tool against this disease.
Sources: Spanish Cancer Association, medical prevention guidelines, and specialized dermatologists.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
