A Dermatologist’s Guide to Spotting Pre-Cancerous Skin Changes, with Elizabeth Hale, M.D.
Most skin cancers are preventable and treatable when caught early — Elizabeth Hale, M.D., explains why daily SPF and annual skin checks are essential.
By
Lana Pine
| Published on May 23, 2025
2 min read
Actinic keratosis (AK) is one of the most common skin conditions dermatologists see — and it’s a warning sign that shouldn’t be ignored. According to Elizabeth Hale, M.D., a board certified dermatologist, clinical associate professor of Dermatology at the New York University Langone Medical Center and senior vice president of the Skin Cancer Foundation, AKs are rough, scaly patches that typically show up on sun-exposed areas such as the face, scalp and hands. They may seem harmless at first — sometimes even disappearing and returning — but they are a signal of long-term sun damage and a potential precursor to skin cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma, and less commonly basal cell carcinoma or even melanoma.
Because AKs can progress silently and are often painless, early detection is key. Dr. Hale urges people to monitor their skin for pink, rough patches that don’t go away with moisturizers and to schedule regular exams with a board-certified dermatologist.
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and Hale emphasizes thatskin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. — but also one of the most preventable and curable when detected early. She highlights that up to 90% of skin cancers and premature skin aging are caused by unprotected sun exposure.
Her expert prevention tips include:
- Daily use of broad-spectrum SPF 30+, year-round — even in winter.
- Reapplying sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
- Wearing protective clothing like long sleeves and wide-brimmed hats.
- Staying in the shade during peak sun hours.
- Annual full-body skin checks by a dermatologist.
- Self-exams at home, being alert to any new or changing moles or spots.
Hale reminds us that enjoying the outdoors safely is possible — it’s about smart sun habits, not hiding inside. Prevention and vigilance are your best tools to keep your skin healthy and cancer-free.
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