On Global Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Awareness Day, celebrated on June 13, the warning focuses on everyday habits that still increase the risk of the most common disease in Brazil. The country is expected to register around 263,000 new cases per year in the three-year period from 2026 to 2028, according to estimates from the National Cancer Institute (INCA). The number corresponds to a rate of 122.9 cases for every 100 thousand inhabitants, 136.1 thousand in men and 127.1 thousand in women.

Even with the advancement of prevention campaigns and increasing access to information, it is still common for everyday behaviors to contribute to the development of non-melanoma skin cancer. Most cases are related to accumulated sun exposure throughout life and simple failures in daily protection, which often go unnoticed.

“Non-melanoma skin cancer is highly treatable when diagnosed early, but we still see many people neglecting basic care and initial signs of the disease”, says the coordinator of Dermatology at the Brazilian Institute for Cancer Control (IBCC Oncology), Dr. Aldo Toschi.

Below, Dr. Aldo Toschi lists 5 common mistakes that put the skin at risk:

1. Thinking that sunscreen is only necessary on strong sunny days

Even on cloudy days or with temperatures milder, ultraviolet radiation is present. Continued exposure without daily protection contributes to cumulative skin damage over the years.

2. Use sunscreen only once a day

The effectiveness of sunscreen decreases over time. Reapplication is necessary throughout the day, especially in cases of intense sweat, contact with water or long stays outdoors.

3. Forgetting areas that also need protection

Ears, neck, hands, feet and scalp They are among the most neglected regions and, at the same time, frequently exposed to solar radiation. They need to be protected.

4. Believing that only light-skinned people need protection

Although the risk is greater in lighter skin, all skin types are subject to the effects of ultraviolet radiation and must maintain daily protection.

5. Use sunscreen as the only protective barrier

A prevention The most effective combination of different measures is: wearing hats, clothing with UV protection, sunglasses and avoiding sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm, the period of greatest radiation intensity.

According to Dr. Aldo Toschi, the biggest challenge is still transforming knowledge into routine. “Sun protection needs to be continuous, not occasional. It is a health habit, as well as a balanced diet and physical activity”, he reinforces.

Early diagnosis makes a difference

Non-melanoma skin cancer has a high chance of being cured when identified early, but prevention is the most effective way to reduce cases and avoid more complex procedures. Furthermore, regular consultations with the dermatologist are also essential for detection early, as many injuries can be subtle and go unnoticed in everyday life.

“Periodic medical evaluation allows you to identify changes in moles, spots and wounds that do not heal, in addition to monitoring possible changes over time. This monitoring should take place especially for people with more sun exposure, fair skin, a family history of the disease or many skin lesions”, concludes the doctor.

By Andressa Marques