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

  • Woman examining a red, irritated spot along her temple and hairline while looking in a mirror.

    Skin Cancer on the Hairline: Signs, Scabs, and Spots to Watch

    Can skin cancer appear on the hairline? Yes, skin cancer can develop along the hairline, including the forehead hairline, temples, sideburn area, part line, and skin near the ears. A scab, sore, rough patch, bump, or spot that does not heal, bleeds, grows, or changes should be checked by a dermatologist. The hairline is easy…Read More

  • Dermatology provider examining an older man’s shoulder during a second-opinion evaluation for skin cancer treatment.

    When to Get a Second Opinion for Skin Cancer Treatment

    When should you get a second opinion for skin cancer treatment? You may want one if you feel unsure about your diagnosis, treatment plan, surgery recommendation, cosmetic outcome, recovery time, or whether non-surgical options may be appropriate. A second opinion can help you feel more informed before moving forward. Getting a second opinion does not…Read More

  • Dermatology provider examining an older patient’s facial skin to evaluate possible skin cancer treatment options.

    When Is Non-Surgical Skin Cancer Treatment an Option?

    When is non-surgical skin cancer treatment an option? It may be an option for eligible patients with certain nonmelanoma skin cancers, including basal cell skin cancer and squamous cell skin cancer. Eligibility depends on the diagnosis, cancer type, size, depth, location, medical history, and provider recommendation. Surgery is a common and effective treatment for many…Read More

  • Woman examining rough, irritated spots on the back of her hand for possible signs of skin cancer.

    Skin Cancer on Hands: Signs, Symptoms, and When to Get Checked

    Can you get skin cancer on your hands? Yes, skin cancer can appear on the backs of the hands, fingers, palms, around the nails, or under a fingernail. A rough patch, sore, bump, scab, or nail change that does not heal, grows, bleeds, or changes should be checked by a dermatologist. Because the hands are…Read More

  • Forearm lesion outlined in marker ahead of treatment or biopsy

    How Skin Cancer Appears on Arms

    What does skin cancer on your arm look like? It may appear as a sore that does not heal, a rough or scaly patch, a shiny bump, a firm red or pink bump, a scab that keeps coming back, or a mole or spot that changes in size, shape, color, or texture. Skin cancer on…Read More

  • Faint marks near the corner of the lip circled to show a subtle skin cancer warning sign

    How Skin Cancer Appears on Lips

    A faint red bump on the lower lip, an example of what skin cancer on the lips can look like.Photo Credit: Robert S. Haber, MD What does skin cancer on the lips look like? It may appear as a sore that does not heal, a rough or scaly patch, a white or red spot, a…Read More

  • Woman checking her face skin.

    How to Tell the Difference Between a Pimple and Skin Cancer Bump

    Can skin cancer look like a pimple? Yes, some skin cancers can look like a pimple, bump, sore, or irritated spot at first. The key difference is that a typical pimple usually improves, while a skin cancer on the face spot may not heal, may keep returning, or may change over time. It is common…Read More

  • 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

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