Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment in Cleveland, TN

by | May 21, 2026 | Premier Surgical Cleveland, Skin Cancer

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to highlight an important fact: skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, yet it is also one of the most preventable. At Premier Surgical Associates in Cleveland, TN, we are committed to helping patients protect their skin, recognize warning signs early, and receive expert care when needed.

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What Is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer occurs when abnormal skin cells grow uncontrollably, often due to damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays. While many skin tumors are benign (harmless), some can be malignant and require prompt treatment.

The three most common types of skin cancer include:

  • Basal cell carcinoma – the most common and typically slow-growing 
  • Squamous cell carcinoma – may grow deeper into the skin if untreated 
  • Melanoma – the most aggressive and potentially deadly form 

The good news is that when detected early, skin cancer is highly treatable and often curable.

Know the Warning Signs: The ABCDEs of Skin Cancer

Early detection saves lives. Regularly checking your skin can help you catch potential problems before they become serious.

Watch for the ABCDE signs:

  • A – Asymmetry: One half of a mole doesn’t match the other 
  • B – Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred 
  • C – Color: Multiple colors or uneven shades 
  • D – Diameter: Larger than ¼ inch (about a pencil eraser) 
  • E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, color, or symptoms like itching or bleeding 

If you notice any of these changes, it’s important to schedule an evaluation promptly.

Who Is at Risk?

Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin tone. However, certain factors may increase your risk:

  • Excessive sun exposure 
  • Fair skin 
  • A large number of moles 
  • Family or personal history of skin cancer 
  • A weakened immune system 

Understanding your risk is key to prevention and early detection.

How to Prevent Skin Cancer

The majority of skin cancers are preventable with simple, consistent habits:

  • Use sunscreen daily (SPF 30 or higher) 
  • Avoid tanning beds 
  • Seek shade, especially during peak sun hours 
  • Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses 
  • Examine your skin monthly for new or changing spots 

These small steps can significantly reduce your risk over time.

Skin Cancer Treatment in Cleveland, TN

If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, it’s important to know that you are not alone, and effective treatment is available. At Premier Surgical Associates in Cleveland, TN, our experienced surgical team offers advanced treatment options tailored to your specific condition.

Common treatments include:

  • Excision: Removing the tumor and surrounding tissue 
  • Curettage and electrodesiccation: Scraping away the lesion and destroying remaining cells 
  • Lymph node surgery: Evaluating or removing lymph nodes if cancer has spread 

For more advanced cases, surgery may be combined with additional therapies such as radiation or chemotherapy.

We’re Here to Help

Skin cancer is serious, but it is also highly treatable when caught early. Whether you’ve noticed a suspicious spot or skin lesion, the team at Premier Surgical Associates in Cleveland is here to guide you every step of the way.

Don’t ignore changes in your skin. Early action can make all the difference. If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, make an appointment today with a Premier Surgical Cleveland surgeon and seek treatment as soon as possible.