It started as a tiny, unassuming spot on my right cheek, barely noticeable, slightly irritated, and easy to dismiss. Like many people, I chalked it up to dry skin, irritation, or maybe even a little bit of eczema. After all, I take good care of my skin. I use sunscreen daily, stay out of tanning beds, and have been diligent about sun protection for years. But this spot was different.
And while you might be wondering why I’m sharing this story, after all, our blog is mostly about navigating perimenopause and midlife, the reality is that this is part of the journey, too. Aging doesn’t just mean hot flashes and hormone shifts; it also means facing the cumulative impact of years spent in the sun, long-forgotten childhood burns, and the skin changes that come with time.
The truth is, midlife is when many women start seeing the long-term effects of things we didn’t think twice about in our teens and 20s, like skipping sunscreen, using tanning beds, or brushing off little skin changes. And while skin cancer isn’t a direct symptom of perimenopause, it’s part of the bigger conversation about our health as we age.
So, I’m sharing my story because I know I’m not alone. If you’re in your 40s or beyond, these are the things we have to stay vigilant about—our skin health, our bone health, our mental health, and so much more. My experience is just a reminder that taking care of ourselves goes far beyond managing hormones, it’s about being proactive with all aspects of our health.
Trusting My Instincts & Seeking a Dermatologist
At first, the spot on my cheek would scab over, heal, and then mysteriously return. It was about the size of a pea. It never really got bigger, and it wasn’t painful, so I tried not to jump to the worst conclusion. But when it started bleeding randomly, I knew something wasn’t right. That’s when I decided to book an appointment with my GP. I knew this spot was suspicious from the start, which is why I kept such a close eye on it.
From there, I was referred to a dermatologist, who examined the spot with a special microscope. At first, the dermatologist said it didn’t look suspicious and that we’d monitor it and to come back in six months, so having trust in my healthcare provider, I agreed. However, six months later, we performed a biopsy which did in fact confirm what I had feared: Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC).
I’m not sure why a biopsy wasn’t performed at my first appointment—maybe because my lesion didn’t fit the textbook definition of skin cancer. Do I wish we had done one sooner? Absolutely. The sooner this cancer is removed, the better. But I also understand that skin cancers can present in unexpected ways, making diagnosis tricky. What matters now is that I have answers, a plan, and a way forward.
The Diagnosis: Basal Cell Carcinoma
Skin cancer. Ugh. Even though BCC is considered the least aggressive form. It’s slow-growing and rarely spreads, but it’s still cancer. I felt a mix of emotions, relief that it wasn’t melanoma, but also disbelief that I even had to deal with this at all.
I’m in my 40s. I was part of the generation that baked in the sun with minimal sunscreen and believed tanning beds were a rite of passage. I’ve since changed my habits, but clearly, the damage had already been done.
The Next Steps: Mohs Surgery Scheduled
After discussing options with my dermatologist, we decided on Mohs surgery—a precise technique that removes the cancer layer by layer while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. It has a high success rate and is commonly used for facial skin cancers where minimizing scarring is important. My surgery is scheduled for March 25, so stay tuned for an update and follow-up on the experience.
If there’s one thing this journey has taught me, it’s that skin cancer isn’t always obvious. I never imagined a tiny, recurring spot could be cancer. That’s why early detection is everything.
Who Should Get Screened?
Dermatologists recommend that anyone with the following risk factors should have regular skin checks:
- Personal or family history of skin cancer
- Fair skin, light eyes, or a tendency to burn easily
- History of intense sun exposure or blistering sunburns (especially in childhood)
- Use of tanning beds (even once increases your risk!)
- Moles that are changing in color, shape, or texture
- Any spot that bleeds, scabs, or doesn’t heal properly
Regular self-checks are important. Look at your skin once a month in a well-lit room with a mirror. Pay attention to changes, take photos if necessary, and don’t hesitate to get anything suspicious checked out.
The Emotional Side of a Skin Cancer Diagnosis
No matter how “minor” a skin cancer may be, hearing the word cancer attached to your health sucks. It’s a reminder that we aren’t invincible and that small decisions—like skipping sunscreen or ignoring a tiny spot—can have big consequences later on.
I won’t lie, knowing that a piece of my face is going to be surgically removed is unnerving. I worry about the scar, about how deep the cancer has gone, and about what this means for my future skin health. But at the same time, I feel grateful. Grateful that I caught it early. Grateful that it’s treatable. Grateful that I listened to my gut when something didn’t feel right.
My Advice: Don’t Wait, Get Checked
If you take anything away from my story, let it be this:
- Don’t ignore changes in your skin. Even if it seems minor, get it checked.
- Advocate for yourself. If a spot doesn’t feel right, push for answers.
- Sun protection is non-negotiable. It’s never too late to start.
- Regular skin checks save lives. Book an appointment with a dermatologist if you haven’t had one recently.
I’ll be sharing an update after my Mohs surgery on March 25. If my experience helps even one person take their skin health seriously, it will all be worth it.
Have you ever had a suspicious spot checked out? Let’s talk about it in the comments.
📌 Written by Nat
💬 Sharing the real & raw—because life on Peri Lane is never dull.