Yes. A red patch can indicate skin cancer or a precancerous condition, but only your doctor can tell you for sure. You can ask your primary care provider or go directly to a dermatologist.

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. In the United States, there are over 5.4 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer ever year. When diagnosed and treated early, skin cancer is easy to cure. However, if it progresses, skin cancer can have serious consequences, including disfigurement and death.

Skin cancer is preventable. The key is to avoid the sun and to use sun protection. More than 419,000 cases of skin cancer in the U.S. each year are linked to tanning booths. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Click here to learn more about skin cancer.