Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
📩 Contact us: talkingwithdocs@gmail.com
Skin cancer is extremely common—but recognizing a suspicious mole or skin lesion early can make a major difference.
In this episode of Talking With Docs, Dr. Brad Weening and Dr. Paul Zalzal explain five important things you can do to identify possible warning signs of skin cancer and reduce the risk of it becoming advanced.
They discuss the three major types of skin cancer—basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma—and explain why melanoma is particularly concerning because of its ability to spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body.
You’ll learn:
• The differences between basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma
• How early detection can improve treatment options and outcomes
• The ABCDE warning signs of a suspicious mole
• Why asymmetry may be a sign that a mole needs further examination
• How irregular, raised, or jagged borders can be concerning
• Why changes in the colour of a mole should not be ignored
• Why moles larger than approximately six millimetres may require evaluation
• Why evolution—or changes over time—is one of the most important warning signs
• How family history can increase your risk of melanoma
• Why having many moles or irregular-looking moles may increase your risk
• How childhood sunburns, outdoor work, tanning beds, and fair skin affect skin cancer risk
• Why taking dated photographs of your moles can help you track changes
• How using a ruler or coin in photographs can provide a useful size reference
• Why a wound, sore, or shaving cut that does not heal should be examined
• What the “ugly duckling” sign means when checking your skin
• Why a mole that looks different from all your other moles may require attention
• When people at higher risk should consider regular skin examinations
• How sunscreen, protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses can help reduce UV exposure
Most moles and skin lesions are harmless, but it is important to have a low threshold for getting something checked—especially when a mole is changing, looks unusual, or stands out from the others.
Early detection matters because a suspicious lesion may be much easier to remove and treat before it grows deeper or spreads.
Have you ever noticed a mole changing over time? Let us know in the comments.
🎧 Listen on Your Favourite Platforms:
Spotify:
open.spotify.com/show/3OFxEjictC41CCS1z2AVKe
Apple Podcast:
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/talking-with-docs/id1799242189
YouTube Music:
• TWD Podcast
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🛑 DISCLAIMER:
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you notice a new, changing, unusual, or non-healing mole or skin lesion, consult a qualified healthcare provider. Full disclaimer at talkingwithdocs.com.
#skincancer #melanoma #basalcellcarcinoma #squamouscellcarcinoma #moles #ABCDE #skincancerawareness #sunsafety #sunscreen #dermatology #earlydetection #healthtips #evidencebasedmedicine #talkingwithdocs
📩 Contact us: talkingwithdocs@gmail.com
Skin cancer is extremely common—but recognizing a suspicious mole or skin lesion early can make a major difference.
In this episode of Talking With Docs, Dr. Brad Weening and Dr. Paul Zalzal explain five important things you can do to identify possible warning signs of skin cancer and reduce the risk of it becoming advanced.
They discuss the three major types of skin cancer—basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma—and explain why melanoma is particularly concerning because of its ability to spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body.
You’ll learn:
• The differences between basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma
• How early detection can improve treatment options and outcomes
• The ABCDE warning signs of a suspicious mole
• Why asymmetry may be a sign that a mole needs further examination
• How irregular, raised, or jagged borders can be concerning
• Why changes in the colour of a mole should not be ignored
• Why moles larger than approximately six millimetres may require evaluation
• Why evolution—or changes over time—is one of the most important warning signs
• How family history can increase your risk of melanoma
• Why having many moles or irregular-looking moles may increase your risk
• How childhood sunburns, outdoor work, tanning beds, and fair skin affect skin cancer risk
• Why taking dated photographs of your moles can help you track changes
• How using a ruler or coin in photographs can provide a useful size reference
• Why a wound, sore, or shaving cut that does not heal should be examined
• What the “ugly duckling” sign means when checking your skin
• Why a mole that looks different from all your other moles may require attention
• When people at higher risk should consider regular skin examinations
• How sunscreen, protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses can help reduce UV exposure
Most moles and skin lesions are harmless, but it is important to have a low threshold for getting something checked—especially when a mole is changing, looks unusual, or stands out from the others.
Early detection matters because a suspicious lesion may be much easier to remove and treat before it grows deeper or spreads.
Have you ever noticed a mole changing over time? Let us know in the comments.
🎧 Listen on Your Favourite Platforms:
Spotify:
open.spotify.com/show/3OFxEjictC41CCS1z2AVKe
Apple Podcast:
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/talking-with-docs/id1799242189
YouTube Music:
• TWD Podcast
👕 Shop Our MERCH:
spreadshirt.ca/shop/user/talking+with+docs
❤️ Support Oakville Hospital:
donate.oakvillehospitalfoundation.com
📱 Follow Us:
TikTok:
tiktok.com/@talkingwithdocs
Instagram:
instagram.com/talkingwithdocs/?hl=en
Facebook:
facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063617375848
🛑 DISCLAIMER:
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you notice a new, changing, unusual, or non-healing mole or skin lesion, consult a qualified healthcare provider. Full disclaimer at talkingwithdocs.com.
#skincancer #melanoma #basalcellcarcinoma #squamouscellcarcinoma #moles #ABCDE #skincancerawareness #sunsafety #sunscreen #dermatology #earlydetection #healthtips #evidencebasedmedicine #talkingwithdocs
