GentleCure Blog

Welcome to the GentleCure Skin Cancer Blog

Thank you for visiting our blog. If you’re looking for information on skin cancer types, skin cancer statistics, general skin cancer facts, sun safety tips, and more information you can trust, you’ve come to the right place. At GentleCure, we are on a mission to empower those with nonmelanoma skin cancer to be educated, active participants in their treatment decisions. Providing you with a breadth of knowledge about skin cancer and its treatment is just one way we can achieve that goal. Learn more below about the types of posts you can expect to find on our blog, then find out how to get in touch with us if you would like to talk with a Skin Cancer Information Specialist.

What topics are covered in our blog?

GentleCure® blog posts will cover everything from basic skin cancer facts and skin cancer statistics to more specific information regarding nonmelanoma skin cancers like basal cell skin cancer and squamous cell skin cancer. You will find answers you can trust to questions like:

  • What is nonmelanoma skin cancer?
  • What are the symptoms of basal cell skin cancer and squamous cell skin cancer?
  • What causes basal and squamous cell skin cancers?
  • Are basal and squamous cell skin cancers deadly? What are their survival rates?
  • How are basal and squamous cell skin cancers treated?

In addition to skin cancer facts and statistics, anyone considering Image-Guided Superficial Radiotherapy (IGSRT) as a surgery-free option for treating their nonmelanoma skin cancer can find helpful information about:

  • How IGSRT works
  • What to expect during treatment with IGSRT
  • How IGSRT compares to Mohs surgery
  • Much more

While past experiences with skin cancer treatment may have left you feeling in the dark and unsure of your options, GentleCure is proud to offer a refreshing approach to nonmelanoma skin cancer treatment by providing in-depth answers to all your questions.

Latest Posts

  • Immunosuppressed woman using handheld and full-length mirrors to check her shoulder and back for new or changing skin spots.

    Immunosuppression and Skin Cancer Risk: What to Know

    Can immunosuppression increase skin cancer risk? Yes, people with a weakened immune system may have a higher risk of developing skin cancer, especially squamous cell skin cancer. This can happen after an organ transplant, with certain immune-suppressing medications, or with medical conditions that affect immune function. The immune system helps the body recognize and respond…Read More

  • Older woman examining a rough, scaly spot on the back of her hand for possible actinic keratosis or skin cancer.

    Actinic Keratosis vs Squamous Cell Skin Cancer: What’s the Difference?

    What is the difference between actinic keratosis and squamous cell skin cancer? Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin growth caused by long-term UV damage. Squamous cell skin cancer is a type of skin cancer that can sometimes develop from untreated actinic keratosis. Both conditions often appear on sun-exposed skin and may look rough, scaly, crusted,…Read More

  • Dermatologist discussing low-risk and high-risk skin cancer factors with an older patient during a consultation.

    Low-Risk vs High-Risk Skin Cancer: What It Means for Treatment

    What is the difference between low-risk and high-risk skin cancer? Low-risk skin cancer is less likely to grow deeply, return, or spread, while high-risk skin cancer may need more careful treatment planning because of its size, location, depth, type, recurrence history, or other patient-specific factors. Understanding your risk level can help you have a more…Read More

  • Woman using a smartphone to photograph a raised bump on her forearm for closer monitoring.

    Can Skin Cancer Look Like a Boil? What to Watch For

    Can skin cancer look like a boil? Yes, some skin cancers can appear as a raised bump, sore, crusted spot, or irritated area that may be mistaken for a boil, pimple, ingrown hair, or skin infection. A spot that does not heal, keeps coming back, bleeds, crusts, grows, or changes should be checked by a…Read More

  • Woman applying water-resistant sunscreen to her arm beside an outdoor swimming pool.

    What Does Water-Resistant Sunscreen Really Mean?

    Can sunscreen really be water resistant? Yes, but water-resistant sunscreen does not mean waterproof. It means the sunscreen is expected to maintain its labeled SPF protection for either 40 or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating. After that, you need to reapply it to stay protected. This distinction matters because many people assume sunscreen keeps…Read More

  • Image of basal cell skin cancer on a toe next to an image of squamous cell skin cancer on a toe

    How Skin Cancer Appears on the Toes

    Can you get skin cancer on your toes? Yes, skin cancer can appear on the toes, between the toes, under the toenail, or on the top, bottom, or sides of the foot. It may look like a changing mole, dark spot, rough patch, sore that does not heal, wart-like growth, scab, or discolored area under…Read More

  • Skin cancer on ear

    How Skin Cancer Appears on Ears

    Can you get skin cancer on your ear? Yes, skin cancer can appear on the ear, including the outer ear, earlobe, ear cartilage, behind the ear, or near the ear canal. Skin cancer on the ear may look like a scaly patch, red spot, shiny bump, sore that does not heal, scab that keeps coming…Read More

  • Doctor pointing to a spot in the patient's breast.

    Skin Cancer on the Breast

    Can you get skin cancer on your breast? Yes, skin cancer can appear on the breast, even though this is a less common location than areas that receive frequent sun exposure. Skin cancer on the breast may look like a changing mole, a dark or uneven spot, a scaly patch, a sore that does not…Read More

  • Older woman seated on a bed checking the toes and skin on her bare foot for unusual changes.

    Can You Get Skin Cancer on Areas That Never See the Sun?

    Skin cancer is often associated with sun exposure, but it is not limited to areas that receive direct sunlight. While ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major risk factor, skin cancer can also develop in parts of the body that rarely or never see the sun. Because this is less widely recognized, these cases are more…Read More

  • Older couple stretching outdoors before exercise in a sunny park.

    Summer Sports Sun Safety: How to Protect Your Skin During Outdoor Activities

    Outdoor sports and activities are a central part of summer for many people. Whether it is running, cycling, swimming, or playing team sports, spending time outside offers clear physical and mental benefits. At the same time, it also increases exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is a major contributor to skin damage and skin cancer….Read More

  • Older woman discussing skin cancer recurrence follow-up care with a dermatologist in an exam room.

    Can Skin Cancer Come Back? Understanding Recurrence and Risk

    After completing treatment for skin cancer, it is natural to feel a sense of closure. However, many people are surprised to learn that skin cancer can return. This is known as recurrence, and it is an important part of long-term skin health to understand. Recurrence does not necessarily mean that the initial treatment was unsuccessful….Read More

  • GentleCure logo

    How to Treat Squamous Cell Skin Cancer

    Squamous cell skin cancer is generally treatable, especially when found early. Common treatment options may include excisional surgery, Mohs surgery, curettage and electrodesiccation, cryosurgery, topical therapy, and Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy, also called Image-Guided SRT. The right treatment depends on factors such as the cancer’s size, depth, location, and your provider’s recommendation. For eligible patients,…Read More

For more information on skin cancer treatment options, speak with a Skin Cancer Information Specialist today.