Which of the following is a cancer warning sign involving the skin?

• A. Nonhealing Sore
• B. Weight Gain
• C. Change In Bowel Patterns
• D. Nagging Cough

Answer: (A)

A persistent, nonhealing wound on the skin is a warning sign of possible skin cancer. When a sore on the skin fails to improve or heal over weeks and may bleed, crust, or steadily change in size or color, it can indicate cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma. This kind of skin-change symptom is specific to the skin, unlike the other options which point to cancers in other parts of the body—weight gain relates to overall metabolism, changes in bowel patterns to the digestive system, and a nagging cough to the lungs. If you notice a skin sore that doesn’t heal within a couple of weeks, or one that changes or bleeds, seek medical evaluation promptly.