Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales appeared at Tuesday’s minicamp with a Band‑Aid covering his nose, later confirming he had a small spot of basal cell carcinoma removed. The procedure followed a routine skin‑cancer screening the team performed two months earlier, which flagged the lesion. Canales thanked the medical staff for catching it early and emphasized personal vigilance. He resumed coaching duties later that day.

The diagnosis matters because basal cell carcinoma, while the most common skin cancer, is highly curable when detected promptly. It grows slowly and rarely metastasizes, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Canales, 45, noted his mother battled skin cancer in her 40s, a family history that has kept him diligent about sunscreen whenever he steps outdoors. He plans to keep regular dermatology visits.

Canales’ openness about the procedure highlights the Carolina Panthers' broader health protocols, which include regular screenings for players and staff. By publicly sharing his experience, he encourages teammates and fans to prioritize skin checks, especially in sunny climates where outdoor activity is constant. The coach returns cleared, ready to focus on the preseason schedule. His health update came before the first scrimmage.