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Stages of Skin Cancer and How to Prevent Them

Publish Date: May 10, 2025 • Written by: Marketing

Skin cancer on the skin

Skin cancer is one of the most preventable yet overlooked cancers, particularly in Nigeria. Many believe that darker skin offers full protection and that “melanin is enough to defend the skin”; that’s totally inaccurate. Melanin cannot stop skin cancer from affecting anyone, and early detection can make all the difference. In this post, we’ll explain the stages of skin cancer, the types to watch out for, and what you can do to prevent it.

What is Skin Cancer

Skin cancer occurs when skin cells begin to grow out of control. Unfortunately, this growth often results from DNA damage caused by sun exposure or other environmental factors. Despite being the most common type of cancer worldwide, skin cancer is frequently misunderstood and overlooked in Nigeria, largely because of a lack of awareness.

Common risk factors include:

  • Frequent sun exposure without protection
  • A history of severe sunburns
  • Family history of skin cancer
  • Weakened immune system
  • Living in hot, sunny climates

Types of Cancer

There are different types of skin cancer, and each behaves differently in the body.

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

BCC is the most common and slowest-growing form of skin cancer. It usually appears as a shiny bump, a scaly area, or a sore that doesn’t heal, typically on sun-exposed skin such as the face, neck, or scalp. It doesn't spread much, but if you ignore it, it can cause serious damage to your skin.

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

The second most common type, SCC, may appear as a rough, red area, a scaly sore, or a growth that looks like a wart. It often shows up on the ears, lips, and hands. SCC grows faster than BCC and has a higher chance of spreading.

3. Melanoma

This is the most aggressive type of skin cancer. It usually appears in moles or darkly pigmented skin and follows the ABCDE rule:

  • Asymmetry: One half looks different from the other.
  • Border irregularity: Edges are not smooth.
  • Color changes: There are different colors or shades.
  • Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
  • Evolving: The mole changes in shape or size.

Melanoma can spread quickly if not detected early.

4. Less Common Skin Cancer Types (but important to note)

  • Merkel Cell Carcinoma
  • Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans
  • Sebaceous Carcinoma

Stages of Skin Cancer

When skin cancer is diagnosed, doctors determine its stage of advancement using a staging system. This system, which consists of three stages, helps them choose the best treatment options and provides a better understanding of the likely outcomes. These stages are:

  • T for tumor size
  • N for lymph node involvement
  • M for metastasis (if it has spread to other organs)

Stages for Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Non-Melanoma)

  • Stage 0: Cancer is only in the top layer of the skin and hasn’t spread.
  • Stage I: A small tumour develops and hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes.
  • Stage II: The tumour becomes larger and may have spread into deeper skin layers.
  • Stage III: The cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
  • Stage IV: The cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.

Melanoma Stages (More Aggressive)

  • Stage 0: At this stage, melanoma is only in the outer skin layer.
  • Stage I (IA & IB): Melanoma is still small in size and has not spread.
  • Stage II (IIA–IIC): Melanoma is still localized but becomes thicker and may be ulcerated.
  • Stage III (IIIA–IIID): Cancer has reached nearby lymph nodes.
  • Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant organs like the lungs, liver, or brain.

How to Prevent Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is often preventable, and early actions can make all the difference. Preventing skin cancer involves three key levels: preventing it from starting, catching it early, and preventing it from returning.

Primary Prevention

These are the prevention techniques that should be implemented to avoid skin cancer from the start:

1. Protect your skin from UV rays:

  • Use sunscreen daily, regardless of your skin colour, complexion, and weather; choose SPF 30 or higher with broad-spectrum protection.
  • Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses.
  • Stay in the shade during peak sun hours, from 10 AM to 4 PM. If you have to be outside, use coverings like long sleeves and umbrellas.
  • Avoid tanning beds—they’re not common in Nigeria but can cause lasting skin damage.

2. Lifestyle habits matter too:

  • Eat foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
  • Maintain a healthy weight and reduce alcohol intake.
  • A good skin starts from within, stay hydrated.

Secondary Prevention

This prevention phase is about detecting skin cancer early. Here are the things to do to easily detect skin cancer early:

1. Self-examinations:

  • Conduct a monthly skin examination in a well-lit room, using a mirror.
  • Look for new spots, changes in moles, or sores that won’t heal.
  • Follow the ABCDE rule for moles.

2. Professional screenings:

  • If you have fair skin, a history of sunburns, or a family history of cancer, it's recommended that you get checked regularly.
  • Visit a dermatologist at least once a year if you’re at risk.

Tertiary Prevention

If you have once experienced skin cancer, here’s what to do to avoid reoccurrence:

  • Stick to follow-up appointments if you’ve had skin cancer.
  • Keep using sun protection daily.
  • Maintain healthy lifestyle choices to reduce future risks.

Treatment Options for Skin Cancer

The treatment for skin cancer depends on the type, stage, and location of the cancer. For early-stage cases, simple surgical procedures often remove all the cancer. Skin cancer in its mature or late stages will require a higher level of expertise to destroy the cells completely.

Common options include:

  • Surgical removal, such as excision or Mohs surgery, is effective for early-stage cancers.
  • Radiation therapy is used when surgery is not possible.
  • Advanced melanoma or cancers that have spread are treated using immunotherapy and targeted therapy
  • Topical treatments – creams for very early skin cancers.

Emerging Research and Innovations in Skin Cancer Care

Skin cancer treatment is advancing fast, hoping for better detection and recovery, even in advanced cases. For example, AI-powered tools are helping doctors spot skin cancer earlier and more accurately. This will help doctors and concerned patients detect the cancer earlier and begin treatments immediately before it grows into a life-threatening concern. Other new technological innovations and advancements include:

  • Immunotherapy breakthroughs address late-stage melanoma and boost the body’s ability to fight it.
  • Early detection is now possible with genetic testing, which helps identify people at a higher risk of being affected.
  • Targeted therapies attack cancer cells without harming healthy cells, which reduces side effects.

Conclusion

Although skin cancer is serious, it is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when caught early. The earlier it’s detected, the better the chances of full recovery, with fewer complications. So, take charge: protect your skin, examine it regularly, and don’t ignore any changes.

For more information, screenings, or support, visit trusted health resources or consult a dermatologist. You can also buy from the best skincare store near you.