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1 million people are diagnosed EVERY year in the U.S.!
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. The two most common kinds of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma – are highly curable. However, melanoma, the third most common type of skin cancer and one of the most common cancers among young adults, is more dangerous.
Find out if you are at risk for skin cancer.
Although anyone can get skin cancer, individuals with certain risk factors are particularly at risk. Some risk factors for skin cancer are:
- Lighter natural skin color
- Family history of skin cancer
- Personal history of skin cancer
- Constant exposure to the sun through work and play
- A history of sunburns early in life
- Skin that burns, freckles, gets red easily or becomes painful in the sun
- Blue or green eyes
- Blond or red hair
- Certain types and a large number of moles.
- Outdoor workers are particularly at risk.
PREVENTION
Skin cancer is largely preventable by limiting exposure to the primary source of UV radiation, sunlight. Sunlamps and tanning beds are other sources. Other preventive measures include: avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; wear sun-protective clothing when exposed to the sun; use sunscreen with a sun-protection factor (SPF) of at least 15; and avoid artificial sources of UV light.
Avoiding the sun, seeking shade and wearing sun-protective clothing is the first approach toward preventing skin cancer. Sunglasses protect the eyes and surrounding areas from UV damage and skin cancer (sunglasses with 99-100 percent UV absorption are recommended). Wide-brimmed hats (>3 inch brim) and legionnaire hats (baseball type hat with attached ear and neck flaps) provide the best protection for the head, ears, nose and cheeks.
Protection is equally important during childhood, since severe sunburns in childhood may be associated with an increased risk of developing melanoma later in life.
The American Cancer Society recommends a cancer-related checkup, including skin examination every three years, for people between the ages of 20 and 40 and every year for those 40 years of age and older. Individuals should also practice skin self-exams regularly and report any changes in skin growths or the appearance of new growths to their physicians.
TREATMENT
Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas can cause substantial illness and, if untreated, can cause considerable damage and disfigurement. If detected and treated early, however, these carcinomas have a cure rate of more than 95 percent.
Malignant melanoma causes more than 75 percent of all deaths from skin cancer. This disease can spread to other organs, most commonly the lungs and liver. Malignant melanoma diagnosed at an early stage usually can be cured, but melanoma diagnosed at late stage is more likely to spread and cause death.
For guidelines and additional information:
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