Misconceptions about skin cancer are common and can be dangerous. Here, we debunk 10 of the most persistent myths to help you protect your skin and catch problems early.
Marc Hurlbert, Ph.D.
CEO, Melanoma Research Alliance
Myth 1: Moles are the only form of skin cancer
There are several different types of skin cancer, and some are more serious than others. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are the most common and easily treated. Melanoma, which is far less common, is more serious and invasive. It originates in the melanocytes, the skin cells that produce pigment, and accounts for about 112,000 skin cancer diagnoses annually in the United States and over 8,000 projected deaths in 2026, according to the American Cancer Society.
Myth 2: It’s just a mole that needs to be removed
Melanoma can start as a mole, but it doesn’t always. Some look like pink blisters or a pimple that won’t heal. It can be far more than a mole that needs to be removed; it can spread fast and be deadly if not dealt with early.
Myth 3: Melanoma appears only on the skin
Melanoma can occur anywhere we have melanocyte cells. Ninety percent are cutaneous melanomas, which means they appear on the skin and are mostly caused by exposure to UV light.
Some melanomas form in places that aren’t exposed to sunlight, including sun-shielded locations like mucous membranes (mucosal melanoma) or on palms, soles, or under fingernails (acral melanoma), indicating there are other contributing factors in some cases. Uveal melanoma occurs in the eye. Due to their relative obscurity, patients facing these unique melanoma subtypes are often diagnosed later and have poorer prognoses.
Myth 4: Skin cancer isn’t serious
There are about 8,500 deaths per year from melanoma alone.
Myth 5: People with darker skin don’t get skin cancer
People of any race, ethnicity, or skin color can get melanoma. Skin cancer may appear differently on darker skin or in different places — such as the hands or feet, or inside the mouth or nose — making it easier to miss.
Myth 6: Melanoma only develops after years of sun exposure
Just one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence can more than double your chance of developing melanoma as an adult. Cumulative damage is the result of multiple severe sunburns and prolonged UV exposure over your lifetime.
Myth 7: Tanning beds protect you from sunburns and skin cancer
Tanning beds have long been connected to increased risk of melanoma, but a recent study backed by MRA funding found that the risk is much higher than previously reported. Tanning bed users were three times more likely to develop melanoma than those who had never used a tanning bed.
Myth 8: Makeup can provide all the skin protection you need
Some makeups and foundations contain SPF, but it’s usually not enough. Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher product first, then reapply every couple of hours.
Myth 9: Sunscreen is only needed when you’re outside in warm weather
UV exposure through windows happens while driving or working indoors. Surfaces like sand and snow amplify the sun’s effect regardless of the season or temperature.
Myth 10: Sunscreen causes skin cancer
There are no reports of sunscreen causing cancer. Sunscreen is absolutely safe. The FDA rigorously evaluates all sunscreens before they are brought to market to ensure that they are both safe and effective.
