7 Early Warning Signs of Skin Cancer You Should Never Ignore

Spending time outdoors is part of everyday life for many Australians. While sunlight has its benefits, regular exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can increase the risk of developing skin cancer over time. The good news is that many skin cancers can be treated successfully when they are detected early.

The challenge is knowing what to look for. Skin cancer does not always appear as an obvious or dramatic change. Sometimes, it starts as a small mark, a changing mole, or a sore that simply does not seem to heal.

At Dr. Shaun Segal skin cancer practice, early detection is an important part of helping patients receive appropriate care. Here are seven warning signs that should prompt you to have a suspicious skin change assessed.

1. A New or Unusual Spot

One of the first things to watch for is a new spot or growth on your skin that looks different from the surrounding area.

It could be a mole, freckle, patch, lump, or other lesion. A new mark does not automatically mean skin cancer, but it is worth paying attention to, particularly if it continues to change.

Getting familiar with your skin makes it easier to notice something that was not there before.

2. A Mole That Changes Shape or Size

Changes in an existing mole can sometimes be a warning sign of melanoma.

Pay attention if a mole becomes:

• Larger

• Asymmetrical

• Irregular around the edges

• Different in colour

• Noticeably different from your other moles

A useful approach is to look for what is new or changing rather than relying only on whether a mole looks unusual at first glance.

If you notice a significant change, arrange a professional skin assessment.

3. Changes in Colour

Healthy moles and other skin marks can naturally vary in colour. However, a lesion that develops multiple colours or changes noticeably should be assessed.

Be particularly aware of combinations of brown, black, red, blue, grey, or white within the same lesion.

Colour changes do not necessarily indicate cancer, but they are one of several features that can help a doctor determine whether further investigation is needed.

4. A Sore That Does Not Heal

A persistent sore or wound that does not heal normally deserves attention.

Some skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, can appear as sores that repeatedly heal and return, crust, bleed, or remain open.

It can be easy to dismiss a persistent skin lesion as a minor injury, especially if it is not painful. However, a sore that does not heal as expected should be checked by a qualified medical professional.

5. Persistent Bleeding, Crusting or Scabbing

Another warning sign is a skin lesion that repeatedly bleeds, crusts, or scabs without an obvious reason.

You may notice that the area seems to heal before becoming irritated or bleeding again. This repeated cycle should not simply be ignored.

A doctor can examine the area and determine whether it requires monitoring, a biopsy, or another form of investigation.

6. An Itchy, Tender or Painful Lesion

Skin cancer is not always painful, but a suspicious area that becomes persistently itchy, tender, sore, or irritated should be assessed.

The important factor is a change from what is normal for you.

Many harmless skin conditions can cause itching or discomfort, so these symptoms alone do not mean that a lesion is cancerous. However, when they occur alongside changes in size, shape, colour, bleeding, or healing, professional assessment becomes particularly important.

7. A Spot That Looks Different From Everything Else

Sometimes the most useful warning sign is simply that one particular mark looks different from the rest.

You may have several moles or freckles that look relatively similar, but one lesion may stand out because of its size, colour, shape, or overall appearance.

This is often described as the "ugly duckling" sign. It does not mean that the unusual spot is definitely cancerous, but it can be a useful reason to have it examined.

Why Early Detection Matters

Skin cancer includes several different types, with melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma among the most common. They can behave differently and require different approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

Finding a suspicious lesion early can make it easier to investigate and, when necessary, treat appropriately.

This is why regular skin checks can be valuable, particularly for people with a higher risk of skin cancer. Your doctor can assess your individual risk and recommend how often you should have your skin examined.

At Dr. Shaun Segal’s practice, skin cancer care can include assessment of suspicious lesions, appropriate investigations, and treatment planning based on the individual patient's needs.

How to Keep Track of Your Skin

You do not need to become an expert in diagnosing skin cancer. Instead, make a habit of becoming familiar with your own skin.

Check areas that are easy to see as well as less visible areas, including the scalp, back, ears, and legs. A partner or family member may be able to help with areas that are difficult to examine yourself.

If you notice something new or changing, make a note of when you first noticed it and arrange an appropriate medical assessment.

Skin cancer can sometimes begin with a change that looks small or insignificant. A new spot, changing mole, persistent sore, unusual colour, or lesion that repeatedly bleeds may be worth investigating.

The important message is not to panic when you notice a skin change. Most skin changes are not cancerous. However, knowing what is normal for your skin and seeking professional advice when something changes can help with early detection.

Dr. Shaun Segal is committed to providing patient-focused skin cancer assessment and care, helping patients understand suspicious skin changes and the next steps when further investigation is required.

If you notice a new, changing, or unusual lesion, do not wait for it to become painful before seeking advice. Early assessment can provide reassurance and, when necessary, help ensure appropriate treatment begins as soon as possible.

Dr. Shaun Segal is a highly experienced skin cancer surgeon with 15 years of experience dedicated exclusively to skin cancer surgery, Shaun brings expertise, exceptional skill and compassion