Skin Cancer: A Non-Scary Primer on What You Need to Know

Part 1: Understanding the Basics and Why Early Detection Matters
By Stefani Heisler, PA-C | Owner & Aesthetic Specialist, Simply You By Stef

Introduction

Let’s take a breath and talk about something that’s far more common than most people realize—and, fortunately, far more treatable when caught early: skin cancer.

You’ve probably heard the basics: wear sunscreen, check your moles, avoid tanning beds. But the real question is—do you actually know how to recognize a potential problem, or what to do if you spot one?

In this article, I’ll break down what skin cancer is, who it affects (hint: it’s not just fair-skinned people), what early signs to watch for, and why early detection can make all the difference.

This won’t be scary. It will be empowering.

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What You Should Know

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and rates are increasing—especially here in Florida. But when it’s caught early, treatment is simple, effective, and rarely invasive.

Key Statistics:

• 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70¹
• Nearly 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day¹
• Melanoma, the deadliest form, has a 99% 5-year survival rate when detected early¹

Florida residents face a higher-than-average risk due to year-round UV exposure—even during “cloudy” or “mild” months.

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Who’s at Risk?

Everyone. But risk factors increase with:

• Age: Adults over 40, especially in sunny climates
• Skin tone: Fair skin = higher risk, but people of color often face worse outcomes due to delayed diagnosis²
• Family history of skin cancer
• Childhood sunburns (yes, even decades ago)
• Outdoor hobbies or professions (think: golf, gardening, construction)
• Tanning bed use—ever

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The Three Main Types of Skin Cancer

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

• Most common form
• Appears as a pearly bump, open sore, or red patch
• Grows slowly but can cause significant tissue damage if untreated

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

• Appears as a rough, scaly patch or raised bump
• Can become invasive if ignored
• Often found on sun-exposed areas: scalp, ears, hands

3. Melanoma

• Less common, but far more dangerous
• Usually appears as a new, irregular mole or change in an existing mole
• Can appear anywhere—even places the sun doesn’t shine

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The ABCDEs of Spotting Melanoma

Letter	Meaning	What to Look For
A	Asymmetry	One half doesn’t match the other
B	Border	Irregular, ragged, or blurred edges
C	Color	Multiple colors or shades in one spot
D	Diameter	Larger than 6mm (pencil eraser)
E	Evolving	Changing in size, shape, or color

Any mole or spot that’s growing, itching, bleeding, or changing should be checked.

Why Early Detection is Everything

When skin cancer is caught early:

• Treatment is simpler (often just a topical cream or small excision)
• Recovery is faster
• Survival rates are extremely high
• Scarring is minimal

Late-stage melanoma, however, can spread to lymph nodes, organs, and bones.

And the truth is—most people don’t know what to look for, and primary care doctors aren’t always trained in advanced dermatologic screening.

Expert Insight

“Skin cancer doesn’t always look scary. Some of the most dangerous melanomas I’ve seen looked like ordinary freckles. The key isn’t fear—it’s familiarity. Know your skin. Look at it regularly. And if something feels new or off, come see us.”
— Stefani Heisler, PA-C

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Coming Next in Part 2:

Introducing DermaSensor at SYBS—the FDA-cleared, real-time, non-invasive skin cancer screening device that’s now available right here in Winter Park.

SYBS is one of the first medspa and aesthetic practices in Central Florida to offer early detection assessments using this technology, with the goal of referring any suspicious findings to trusted dermatologists—faster.

Stay tuned.