MySkinCancerTeam

Great question! Beyond treatment, there are several proactive steps that can help reduce the risk of skin cancer spreading or recurring.

Stay on top of monitoring
- Perform monthly self-skin checks,… read more

Great question! Beyond treatment, there are several proactive steps that can help reduce the risk of skin cancer spreading or recurring.

Stay on top of monitoring:
- Perform monthly self-skin checks, paying close attention to any changes in existing spots or new growths
- Keep up with annual professional skin exams with your dermatologist
- Report any sore, bump, or scaly patch that doesn't heal to your doctor promptly Protect your skin from UV damage:
- Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily
- Choose sun-protective clothing with a UPF rating of 30 or higher
- Avoid direct sun during peak hours (midday)
- Skip tanning beds entirely — they're a known carcinogen Adopt healthy habits:
- Eat a balanced diet
- Stay physically active
- Avoid smoking
- Maintain a healthy weight

These steps won't guarantee prevention, but they can meaningfully lower your risk. Always loop in your dermatologist or specialist about your personal risk factors — they can tailor advice specifically to your situation.

MySkinCancerTeam

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) on the eyelid is very treatable, especially when caught early. Because the eyelid has such delicate, thin skin, treatment does require careful planning — but most people… read more

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) on the eyelid is very treatable, especially when caught early. Because the eyelid has such delicate, thin skin, treatment does require careful planning — but most people come through it well without lasting disfigurement. The most common treatment is surgery. The type depends on the tumor's size, location, and stage. Options include:

- Mohs surgery — thin layers of skin are removed and checked under a microscope until no cancer cells remain; this is often preferred for eyelid BCC to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible
- Standard surgical excision — the tumor is removed along with a small margin of healthy tissue
- Electrodesiccation and curettage — the tumor is scraped away and heat destroys remaining cells
- Cryosurgery — the tumor is frozen to destroy cancer cells

The last three are used less commonly on the eyelid. If surgery isn't suitable, alternatives like radiation therapy or topical medications may be recommended. For advanced cases, targeted therapy or immunotherapy are also options.

After treatment, some people experience bruising, swelling, scarring, or temporary or permanent loss of eyelashes — so it's worth discussing these risks with your care team beforehand. The overall outlook is generally very good. BCC grows slowly and rarely spreads. Regular follow-up appointments are important though, as having one BCC does increase the risk of developing another one down the line.

MySkinCancerTeam

Libtayo (cemiplimab) is an immunotherapy drug used to treat certain skin cancers, including advanced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). It works by helping your immune… read more

Libtayo (cemiplimab) is an immunotherapy drug used to treat certain skin cancers, including advanced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). It works by helping your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

Because it activates the immune system, Libtayo can sometimes cause it to mistakenly attack healthy organs. These are called immune-related side effects, and they can affect several parts of the body, including:

- Lungs – inflammation (pneumonitis), causing cough or shortness of breath
- Liver – hepatitis, which may show up in blood tests
- Intestines – colitis, causing diarrhea or stomach pain
- Kidneys – nephritis, affecting how well they filter waste
- Skin – rashes or blistering
- Hormone-producing glands – such as the thyroid, pituitary, or adrenal glands

Most of these side effects are manageable if caught early, which is why regular monitoring during treatment is so important.

It's really worth having an open conversation with your oncologist or dermatologist about any new symptoms you notice while on Libtayo — even ones that seem minor. Early reporting can make a big difference in how quickly side effects are addressed.

MySkinCancerTeam

Six years NED (No Evidence of Disease) is a truly significant milestone — that's something worth celebrating! 🎉 It's completely understandable to still carry that worry though, and you're not alone in… read more

Six years NED (No Evidence of Disease) is a truly significant milestone — that's something worth celebrating! 🎉 It's completely understandable to still carry that worry though, and you're not alone in feeling that way.

With a Stage 3b melanoma diagnosis, reaching 6 years NED is genuinely encouraging. The longer someone remains NED, the more reassuring the outlook tends to be. That said, it's important to be honest — melanoma does require ongoing vigilance, even after many years NED. Key things to keep in mind:

- Regular skin checks with your dermatologist remain important long-term
- Watch for new or changing spots on your skin and report them promptly
- Your immune system health can influence your overall outlook
- Early detection of any recurrence leads to much better outcomes

It's less a "life sentence" and more a lifelong awareness — which many MySkinCancerTeam members describe as simply becoming part of their routine.

Your doctor is truly the best person to give you a personalized picture of your prognosis going forward, as every case is unique.

MySkinCancerTeam

That's such a frustrating and understandable question. There are several reasons why skin cancer can keep coming back or why new spots keep appearing. Here are some of the most common factors:

- UV… read more

That's such a frustrating and understandable question. There are several reasons why skin cancer can keep coming back or why new spots keep appearing. Here are some of the most common factors:

- UV exposure history – Years of sun exposure or tanning bed use can cause ongoing DNA damage to skin cells, making new cancers more likely to develop over time
- Skin type – Fair skin, light eyes, and a tendency to burn rather than tan increase the risk
- Previous skin cancer – Having had skin cancer once significantly raises the chances of developing it again
- Genetics – A family history of skin cancer can make you more susceptible
- Weakened immune system – This can make it harder for the body to fight off abnormal cell growth
- Age – Cumulative sun damage builds up over a lifetime

The good news is that regular skin checks with a dermatologist can catch new spots early, when they're most treatable.

It's really worth having an open conversation with your dermatologist about your specific risk factors — they can help create a monitoring and prevention plan tailored just for you.