Is skin cancer common in Singapore?

No. Skin cancer is relatively uncommon here because most Singaporeans have darker, more protective skin. Melanoma in particular is rare, at roughly 0.5 cases per 100,000 people. However, BCC and SCC do occur, and because people may assume they are not at risk, cancers can be diagnosed late. Awareness and self-checks remain worthwhile.

Where does melanoma usually appear in Asians?

Unlike in fair-skinned populations, melanoma in Asians most often appears as acral lentiginous melanoma on the soles of the feet, the palms, or under the fingernails and toenails. These sites are not related to sun exposure, so everyone should check their hands, feet and nails for any new or changing dark spot, streak or band.

Can I tell if a mole is cancerous just by looking?

Not with certainty. The ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter, Evolving) helps you decide whether a mole needs a doctor's review, but only a biopsy can confirm whether a lesion is cancerous. If a mole is new, changing, bleeding or simply looks different from your others, have it assessed rather than relying on appearance alone.

Does sunscreen prevent all skin cancers?

Sunscreen and sun protection reduce the risk of sun-related skin cancers such as BCC, SCC and many melanomas, so they are strongly recommended in tropical Singapore. However, acral melanomas on the soles, palms and nails are not caused by sun exposure, so sunscreen does not prevent those. That is why regular self-examination remains important alongside sun protection.

Is skin cancer treatment claimable under MediSave or insurance?

Medically necessary procedures such as biopsies and surgery to remove a confirmed or suspected skin cancer are generally eligible for subsidies, MediSave or insurance, subject to your plan and the setting. Purely cosmetic mole removal, done for appearance rather than medical concern, is not claimable. Check with the clinic and your insurer, as fees vary.

Skin Cancer & Melanoma in Singapore: Types, ABCDE Rule & Treatment

Written & reviewed by the BestDoctors.sg editorial team · Last updated 2 Jul 2026 · General information, not medical advice

Quick answer. Skin cancer is uncommon in Singapore’s mostly darker-skinned population but does occur. The three main types are basal cell carcinoma (BCC, the commonest, slow-growing and rarely spreads), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma, which is rare here (around 0.5 cases per 100,000) but the most dangerous. In Asians, melanoma often appears as acral lentiginous melanoma on the soles, palms or under nails. Use the ABCDE rule to check moles: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter over 6mm, and Evolving (changing) lesions. Any new, changing, bleeding or non-healing spot should be seen by a doctor. Diagnosis is confirmed by skin biopsy; early skin cancer is usually curable with surgery.

Skin cancer is far less common in Singapore than in fair-skinned populations because darker skin contains more protective melanin. It is, however, not impossible, and because Singaporeans may assume they are not at risk, cancers can be missed until they are advanced. Most cases are highly treatable when caught early, so knowing what to look for matters.

This guide explains the three main types of skin cancer, how to spot warning signs using the ABCDE rule, who is most at risk, and how skin cancer is diagnosed and treated. If your main concern is having moles checked or a full skin examination, see our companion guide on mole removal and skin cancer screening in Singapore.

At a glance

Main types of skin cancer at a glance
Type	Key features	Behaviour
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)	Pearly or translucent bump, may bleed or ulcerate, often sun-exposed sites (face, ears)	Commonest skin cancer; grows slowly, rarely spreads but can damage local tissue
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)	Scaly red patch, firm nodule or non-healing sore or ulcer	Can grow faster and occasionally spread; linked to chronic sun damage
Melanoma	New or changing mole, irregular shape/colour; in Asians often on soles, palms or under nails	Rare in Singapore but most dangerous; can spread if not treated early
Pre-cancers (e.g. actinic keratosis)	Rough, scaly spots on sun-exposed skin	Not yet cancer but a small proportion may progress to SCC

The three main types of skin cancer

Skin cancers are broadly grouped into non-melanoma (BCC and SCC) and melanoma.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the commonest skin cancer worldwide and in Singapore. It usually appears as a pearly, translucent or waxy bump on sun-exposed skin such as the face, nose or ears, and may bleed, crust or fail to heal. BCC grows slowly and rarely spreads, but left untreated it can destroy surrounding tissue.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) often presents as a scaly red patch, a firm nodule, or a non-healing ulcer. It can grow faster than BCC and, in a minority of cases, spread to other parts of the body.
Melanoma arises from pigment cells (melanocytes). It is uncommon in Singapore but is the most dangerous skin cancer because it can spread. Importantly, in Asians the commonest subtype is acral lentiginous melanoma, which appears on the soles of the feet, the palms, or under the nails rather than on sun-exposed areas.

The ABCDE rule for checking moles

The ABCDE rule is a simple way to flag a mole that may need a doctor’s assessment:

A – Asymmetry: one half does not match the other.
B – Border: edges are irregular, ragged or blurred.
C – Colour: uneven colour, or several shades of brown, black, red or blue within one spot.
D – Diameter: larger than about 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller.
E – Evolving: any change in size, shape, colour, or new symptoms such as itching or bleeding over weeks to months.

In Singapore, also pay attention to any new or changing dark spot, line or streak on the soles, palms or under a fingernail or toenail, as this is the most common site for melanoma in Asians. When in doubt, get it checked — it is far better to have a harmless mole reassured than to miss an early cancer.

Who is at higher risk in Singapore

Although overall risk is low, some people are more likely to develop skin cancer:

Older age and a lifetime of sun exposure (outdoor workers, frequent outdoor sports).
Fair skin, light eyes, or a tendency to burn rather than tan.
Many moles, atypical (irregular) moles, or a personal or family history of melanoma.
A weakened immune system (for example after organ transplant) or previous radiotherapy.
Previous skin cancer or extensive sun-damaged (actinic) skin.

Acral melanomas on the feet and hands are not related to sun exposure, so anyone — regardless of skin tone — can develop them, which is why foot and nail checks matter for everyone.

Sun protection in tropical Singapore

Singapore sits close to the equator, so ultraviolet (UV) levels are high year-round even on cloudy days. Sensible protection lowers the risk of BCC, SCC and sun-related melanoma:

Avoid prolonged sun exposure during the strongest hours, roughly 10am to 4pm.
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher about 20–30 minutes before going out, and reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
Use shade, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and protective clothing.
Avoid tanning beds.

Sun protection does not prevent acral (sole/palm/nail) melanomas, so it complements rather than replaces regular self-examination.

How skin cancer is diagnosed and treated

A dermatologist will examine the lesion, often with a dermoscope (a magnifying device with light). The definitive diagnosis is made by a skin biopsy, where a sample or the whole lesion is removed and examined under a microscope.

Treatment depends on the type, size and location:

Surgical excision is the main treatment for most skin cancers, removing the cancer with a margin of normal skin.
Mohs micrographic surgery may be used for larger, recurrent or difficult-to-treat cancers on cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face.
Other options include cryotherapy (freezing), curettage and electrodessication, radiotherapy, topical creams and photodynamic therapy for selected early lesions.
Advanced or spread melanoma may require immunotherapy or targeted therapy under an oncologist.

Most early skin cancers are curable. Costs vary with the procedure and setting; medically necessary biopsies and cancer surgery are typically eligible for subsidies, MediSave or insurance, while purely cosmetic mole removal is not.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor promptly if you notice any of the following:

A mole that meets any of the ABCDE criteria, or that looks different from your other moles (the “ugly duckling”).
A new dark spot, streak or band on a sole, palm, or under a nail.
A spot, sore or ulcer that bleeds, crusts, or does not heal within a few weeks.
A growing, pearly or scaly lump.

Early assessment is key — do not wait. A simple biopsy can provide reassurance or allow treatment at the most curable stage.

Related guides

Best Dermatology Clinics in Singapore — our editorial shortlist
dermatology clinics directory
Vitiligo treatment
Seborrhoeic dermatitis & dandruff
Alopecia areata

Sources

Last updated 22 June 2026. Prices are typical market ranges gathered from the cited sources and vary by clinic, doctor and individual case — they are not quotes. This guide is general information, not medical advice; always consult a qualified, MOH-accredited doctor before any treatment.

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