What Patients Worry About Most When Diagnosed with Skin Cancer

Hearing the words “you have skin cancer” can be unsettling, even when the prognosis is excellent. After countless conversations with patients over the years, I’ve learned that reactions vary widely.

For some, it triggers little to no reaction at all. This may be their 7th skin cancer in the last decade. One gentleman recently asked me if he should just have a standing surgical appointment every three months. This ain’t his first rodeo. In six years, I have biopsied a whopping 25 skin cancers on him.

However, for many patients, hearing the “C” word triggers a rush of questions, fears, and worst-case scenarios—often before there’s time to process what it actually means.

In clinic, I’ve consistently found that most patients share a small set of common concerns. Understanding these worries and addressing them directly often brings immediate relief. Proper education about skin cancer is not an adjunct to therapy; it’s a cornerstone.

Here are the things patients worry about most when diagnosed with skin cancer.

1. “Is this dangerous? Am I going to be okay?”

This is almost always the first fear, even if it’s not said out loud.

I recently excised a skin cancer on a woman in her late fifties who had been referred to me after a biopsy confirmed squamous cell carcinoma. After losing both parents to cancer, I could sense the weight of that diagnosis the moment we met. And honestly, I don’t blame her.

The good news is that most skin cancers are highly treatable, especially when caught early. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma—the two most common types—are rarely life-threatening when managed appropriately.

A skin cancer diagnosis should be taken seriously, but for most patients, it is not a life-ending diagnosis. The goal is timely, effective treatment and long-term skin health. With proper skin cancer management, the vast majority of skin cancer patients go on to live long, healthy lives.

2. “Do I need surgery?”

Many patients assume surgery is inevitable—and that can be intimidating. No one wants to go through surgery. The word surgery brings a wave of concerns: pain, bleeding, infection, scarring, and cost, just to name a few.

While surgery is often the best option and remains the gold standard for many skin cancers, it is not the only option in every case. Treatment decisions depend on several factors, including:

• Cancer type

• Size and depth

• Location on the body

• Prior treatments

• Overall health and patient preferences

The most important thing is not which treatment is chosen, but that the treatment is appropriate for the specific cancer and the person being treated. In some cases, surgery is the most appropriate option. In other situations, alternative treatments may be equally effective and better suited for the individual.

The goal is always to choose the safest and most effective treatment—not the most aggressive one.

3. “Will this leave a scar?”

This concern is especially common when skin cancer appears on the face, ears, nose, or lower legs.

Scarring matters. It matters physically and emotionally—and it’s something we take seriously. I recall multiple experiences when patients arrive for skin cancer surgery and say something like, “I don’t care about the cancer…just don’t make me ugly.” At this point, the pressure is definitely on.

Unfortunately, any time the skin is cut to treat skin cancer, a scar will follow. That is simply the nature of the body’s healing processes.

Different treatments have different cosmetic considerations. Part of your dermatologist’s job is to balance effective cancer treatment with preserving normal appearance and function whenever possible. Discussing scar expectations ahead of time helps patients feel prepared rather than surprised.

Fortunately, the appearance of most scars improves over time.

4. “Why did this happen to me?”

Patients often wonder if they did something wrong.

Skin cancer is usually the result of cumulative sun exposure over time, often starting decades earlier. Many people who develop skin cancer were careful later in life but had significant sun exposure as children or young adults—often before sunscreen habits were common. Much of our skin cancer “debt” comes from sun exposure before we understood the importance of sun protection.

This is not about blame. It’s about understanding risk and focusing on prevention going forward. With the education that we have now, I’m hopeful there is less skin cancer as today’s youth ages. Hopefully, I’m retired by the time we find out!

5. “What happens next?”

Uncertainty can be more stressful than the diagnosis itself. Patients typically have questions regarding when treatment will start, what it will involve, what recovery looks like, and how likely they are to develop another skin cancer.

The answers to those questions vary based on the type of skin cancer, the treatment chosen, and each patient’s individual situation. Clear communication and a plan make a tremendous difference. Knowing the next steps helps replace fear with clarity.

6. “Will this keep happening?”

This is a very reasonable concern.

Having one skin cancer does increase the risk of developing another in the future. That’s why follow-up care and regular skin exams are important. Ongoing monitoring allows new lesions to be caught early—often before they become larger problems.

I tell patients, “I’d rather see you more frequently and have less to do than less frequently and more to do.” While every skin cancer is unpredictable, a consistent follow-up schedule generally helps patients and dermatologists “stay ahead” of skin cancer—either with prevention or simpler treatment.

The goal isn’t to create anxiety, but to empower patients with awareness and prevention.

A final thought

Treating skin cancers is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

Why? Because while a skin cancer diagnosis is understandably stressful, it is also something dermatologists treat every day with excellent outcomes.

If you’ve recently been diagnosed, know this:

You deserve time, clear explanations, and a treatment plan tailored to you. The right approach is the one that treats the cancer effectively while respecting your health, comfort, and peace of mind.

While I cannot replace the advice of your dermatologist, feel free to reach out if you have questions.