What Is Mohs Surgery? A Guide to Skin Cancer Treatment and Prevention
A Timely Conversation on Cancer and Prevention
When news broke about former President Joe Biden undergoing Mohs surgery for skin cancer, it sparked a wave of questions—especially among Hispanic communities where access to dermatology and oncology resources may be limited.
To offer clarity, Dr. Serguei Castaneda, a respected oncologist and director at CB Oncology, joined Radio Libre 790 AM with host Lourdes Juvieta to talk about skin cancer, the realities of aging, and how communities like ours can stay informed and protected.
What unfolded was not just a medical breakdown—it was a culturally relevant conversation about prevention, empowerment, and trust in healthcare.
What Is Mohs Surgery and Why Is It So Effective?
Dr. Castaneda began by demystifying Mohs surgery—a microscopically guided skin cancer procedure that ensures precision while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
“Mohs is one of the most effective treatments we have for certain skin cancers,” he explained. “It allows the surgeon to evaluate the tissue margins in real-time, meaning we know immediately if the entire cancer has been removed.”
Unlike traditional excisions, Mohs surgery removes thin layers of skin one at a time, checking for cancer cells after each pass. This approach minimizes scarring, reduces unnecessary tissue loss, and offers one of the highest cure rates available for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma—two of the most common skin cancers.
This is especially important for facial areas, ears, hands, and other parts of the body where both function and appearance matter.
Skin Cancer in Our Communities: Why Awareness Matters
For many in the Hispanic community, skin cancer often goes unnoticed or undiagnosed until it's advanced. There's a common misconception that darker skin tones don’t burn or are immune to skin cancer. This is simply not true.
“Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate,” Dr. Castaneda emphasized. “It affects people of all backgrounds, and in people with darker skin, it’s often caught later—when treatment is more complex.”
He explained that basal cell carcinoma often appears as a shiny bump or non-healing sore, while squamous cell carcinoma may show up as a red, scaly patch or wart-like lesion. Both are treatable—but early diagnosis is key.
Sun Exposure and Skin Cancer: The Cumulative Effect
Living in sunny regions like South Florida, Latin America, or the Caribbean means year-round exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation—a key driver of skin cancer.
Dr. Castaneda explained that sun damage is cumulative, meaning it builds up slowly over time. A childhood filled with sunburns, teenage beach days, and adult afternoons outdoors can quietly increase your lifetime risk.
“It’s not about one day in the sun,” he noted. “It’s about decades of unprotected exposure. That’s why we encourage people to start protecting their skin early—and do it consistently.”
Sunscreen Safety: Should You Be Worried?
Lourdes asked a question many listeners have wondered: Are chemical sunscreens safe? Headlines have raised concerns about certain ingredients and their possible links to cancer.
Dr. Castaneda responded with clarity:
“There is no strong scientific evidence that sunscreen causes cancer,” he said. “In fact, not using sunscreen significantly increases your risk of UV-induced skin cancer.”
He acknowledged that some people prefer natural or mineral-based sunscreens—and that’s perfectly fine. The key is choosing a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 and reapplying every 2 hours when outdoors.
If you’re unsure about ingredients, CB Oncology recommends dermatologist-approved or mineral sunscreens using zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, both proven to be effective and safe.
Is There a Link Between Skin Cancer and Prostate Cancer?
The interview also touched on a second headline-making topic: President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis, which became public just months before his skin cancer treatment.
Lourdes asked if there was a link between the two conditions. Dr. Castaneda clarified:
“They are very different. Both are forms of cancer, but they arise from different causes. Skin cancer is most often triggered by UV light. Prostate cancer is influenced by hormones, age, genetics, and other metabolic factors.”
That said, all cancers share a common origin: genetic mutations. While one doesn’t cause the other, having one type of cancer may prompt your doctor to monitor you more closely for others—especially with age.
How Close Are We to Curing Cancer?
To wrap up the interview, Lourdes asked a powerful question:
Are we winning the battle against cancer?
Dr. Castaneda responded with hopeful realism:
“We’ve come a long way. Since the 1950s, survival rates for many cancers—like breast and prostate—have improved dramatically. But some remain extremely difficult, like pancreatic cancer and glioblastoma. What makes a difference is ongoing research, early detection, and community participation in prevention.”
At CB Oncology, this means not only delivering high-quality treatment—but also creating space for education, outreach, and honest conversations in both English and Spanish.
What You Can Do Today to Protect Your Health
If there’s one takeaway from Dr. Castaneda’s conversation, it’s this: Prevention starts with education—and action.
Here are five steps you can take right now:
Check your skin regularly for new or changing moles, bumps, or sores.
Use SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days.
Talk to your doctor about prostate screening if you’re a man over 50 (or earlier if high risk).
Choose credible medical sources for health information—not social media myths.
Reach out for help when something doesn’t feel right. Early detection saves lives.
CB Oncology Is Here to Support You
Whether you’re navigating a new diagnosis or simply want to learn how to reduce your risk, CB Oncology offers compassionate, bilingual care rooted in science, trust, and community values.
Our team is proud to stand beside Hispanic families—helping you stay informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or speak with our team about skin cancer, prostate screening, or cancer prevention in general.
Skin Cancer FAQs
What is Mohs surgery and how does it work?
Mohs surgery is a specialized procedure for skin cancer where thin layers of tissue are removed and examined immediately under a microscope until no cancer remains. It’s highly precise and minimizes scarring.What are the most common signs of skin cancer?
A new bump, sore, or mole that changes in size, color, or shape—or doesn’t heal—could be a sign of skin cancer. It should be evaluated by a medical professional.Are chemical sunscreens dangerous?
No strong evidence shows they cause cancer. However, mineral sunscreens are a safe, effective option for those concerned about ingredients.What age should men get screened for prostate cancer?
Most men should begin discussing screening at age 50. Those with family history or higher risk factors may need to start earlier.