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

  • Flat pink patch on sun exposed skin with mild scaling, shown as an example of what a flat skin cancer spot can look like

    Can Skin Cancer Be Flat? What to Watch For

    A lot of people picture skin cancer as a raised bump or a dark mole. In reality, some skin cancers can be flat, especially early on. A flat patch can look like a dry spot, a faint stain, a subtle discoloration, or a scaly area that never fully goes away. The good news is that…Read More

  • Close up portrait of an older man with a shaved head and visible sun spots on his skin, looking calmly toward the camera in a softly lit indoor setting.

    Skin Cancer vs Age Spots: How to Tell the Difference

    As you age, new marks and patches on your skin are common. Most are harmless age spots caused by years of sun exposure, but some may be early signs of skin cancer. Understanding the difference between the two can help you know when to see a dermatologist. What Are Age Spots? Age spots (also called…Read More

  • Abstract medical illustration showing a person standing under blue light therapy with a glowing question mark above their feet, symbolizing uncertainty or questions about skin cancer detection and treatment options.

    Is Tanning in Winter Safe? The Truth About Indoor Tanning

    Many people use tanning beds in winter to keep a summer glow or to prepare for vacations, but the truth is that tanning during winter still exposes your skin to harmful UV rays. Dermatologists agree: there’s no such thing as a safe tan, whether it comes from the sun or a tanning bed. Why People…Read More

  • Two older women smiling and chatting while holding coffee cups at a café table, representing an active, relaxed lifestyle after skin cancer care and treatment.

    Winter Skincare Routine to Prevent Sun Damage

    Shorter days and colder air don’t mean your skin is safe from the sun. UV rays remain active throughout winter, and when combined with dry indoor air, they can leave your skin vulnerable to irritation, redness, and long-term damage. A winter skincare routine to prevent sun damage keeps your skin hydrated, healthy, and protected from…Read More

  • GentleCure informational banner displayed inside a clinic hallway explaining that skin cancer can be treated without surgery and encouraging patients to ask their doctor about IGSRT.

    How IGSRT Heals and What to Expect

    When you’re exploring treatment options for nonmelanoma skin cancer, knowing what to expect post-treatment can help you feel more confident about your decision. Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IGSRT) is a surgery-free treatment, which means your post-treatment experience compared to traditional surgical options like Mohs. Here’s what you can expect following treatment with IGSRT. , What…Read More

  • GentleCure logo

    How Often Should You Get a Skin Cancer Screening?

    Regular skin exams can help find basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers early. Your skin cancer screening frequency depends on your risk level, personal and family history, and how much sun you get in daily life. Use this guide to plan screenings and know when to see a dermatologist sooner. Why skin cancer screening…Read More

  • Older woman with short gray hair examining a small spot on her cheek while looking into a handheld mirror in a softly lit indoor setting.

    How to Choose Safe Makeup for Sun Protection

    Makeup can be part of your sun protection routine when you choose products formulated with SPF. Still, not every foundation or tinted moisturizer labeled “SPF” provides full coverage against harmful UV rays. This guide explains how to select safe makeup for sun protection, what to look for in ingredients, and how to combine SPF products…Read More

  • Medical consultation scene where a clinician points to imaging displayed on a monitor while discussing results with two colleagues and an older patient seated in an exam chair inside a clinical treatment room.

    IGSRT vs Other Skin Cancer Treatments

    If you have been diagnosed with basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, you have options. Surgery is common, yet IGSRT gives many people a surgery-free way to treat cancer at the skin’s surface while protecting healthy tissue. You can learn more about how IGSRT works on our radiation treatment page. Below, compare IGSRT vs…Read More

  • Before and after clinical photos of the top of a patient’s scalp showing multiple marked skin lesions prior to treatment on the left, including a larger central lesion, and a healed scalp on the right with clear skin and minimal visible markings after treatment.

    Early Signs of Skin Cancer on the Scalp

    The scalp is easy to overlook during skin checks, yet it receives strong sun exposure year-round. Catching changes early helps your care team confirm what a spot is and plan the right treatment. Below, see what the early signs of skin cancer on the scalp can look like, when to book an appointment, and gentle…Read More

  • Patient undergoing blue light therapy (photodynamic therapy) for skin treatment, lying under a specialized lamp with protective eyewear.

    Blue Light Therapy for Skin Cancer

    What Is Blue Light Therapy? Blue light therapy, also called photodynamic therapy (PDT), is a non-surgical treatment used for certain skin conditions, including pre-cancerous lesions and early-stage skin cancers. It works by applying a light-sensitive medication to the skin, which is then activated by a specialized blue light. This process destroys abnormal or cancerous cells…Read More

  • Middle-aged woman looking out window with concern, gently touching her chest, representing awareness of possible skin changes.

    Can Skin Cancer Spread Without You Knowing?

    Hearing the words skin cancer often brings up an unsettling question: What if it spreads without me knowing? This is a very common fear among patients. The good news is that most types of skin cancer grow slowly and remain local for a long time before causing problems. Still, understanding how skin cancer behaves—and knowing…Read More

  • Person using smartphone to photograph and analyze a dark mole on skin for possible signs of skin cancer.

    Does Skin Cancer Always Start as a Mole?

    When people think of skin cancer, they often picture a suspicious mole. It’s true that melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, can begin as a mole—or develop from an existing one. But the reality is that most skin cancers do not start as moles at all. The majority of cases are basal cell skin…Read More

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