Cancer Facts

Skin Cancer

• The two most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It is important that all skin cancers be found and treated early because they can invade and destroy nearby tissue.
• Basal cell carcinoma—accounts for more than 90 percent of all skin cancers in the United States . It is a slow-growing cancer that seldom spreads to other parts of the body.
• Squamous cell carcinoma—also rarely spreads, but it does so more often than basal cell carcinoma.
• Melanoma—Melanoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the skin cells called melanocytes (cells that color the skin). Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body.

• Fair Skin — Although anyone can get skin cancer, the risk is greatest for people who have fair skin that freckles easily—often those with red or blond hair and blue or light-colored eyes.
• Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation — Exposure to the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. There are two types of UV radiation, UVA and UVB.
• Artificial sources of UV radiation, such as sunlamps and tanning booths, can also cause skin cancer.
• Geographical location — People who live in areas with high levels of UV radiation are more likely to get skin cancer. In the U.S. , such areas would include states like Florida and Texas . Worldwide, the highest rates of skin cancer are found in South Africa and Australia .
• Age — Most skin cancers appear after the age of 50, but the sun's damaging effects can begin at an early age.
• Melanoma risk factors — Unusual moles, exposure to sunlight, and health history.

• The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change on the skin, especially a new growth or a sore that doesn't heal.
• The cancer could start as a small, smooth, shiny, pale or waxy lump. Or, it can appear as a firm red lump; sometimes the lump can bleed or develop a crust.
• Skin cancer can also start as a flat, red spot that is rough, dry or scaly.
• Possible sign of melanoma include a change in the appearance of a mole or pigmented area.

• Protection from the sun should start in childhood to prevent skin cancer later in life.
• Whenever possible, people should avoid exposure to the midday sun (from 10 am to 2 pm standard time, or from 11 am to 3 pm daylight savings time).
• Protective clothing, such as sun hats and long sleeves, can block out the sun's harmful rays.
• Lotions that contain sunscreens can protect the skin.
• Sunscreens are rated in strength according to a sun protection factor (SPF), which ranges from 2 to 30 or higher. Those rated 15 to 30 block most of the sun's harmful rays.