Skin Cancer is More Common Than You Might Think
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer. These cancers are often preventable—the vast majority of skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds
All of us are at risk for skin cancer. People with light skin are at a higher risk, but people of color are not totally exempt. Asian, Filipino, Hispanic, and African American people can develop skin cancer from chronic exposure to ultraviolet light. Anyone with poor immune function or who is on anti-rejection drugs following an organ transplant is also high-risk.
The best protection is using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day—even on cloudy days and in winter. If you are working or playing outside where perspiration or water is involved, we recommend reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours. Try to minimize your exposure during the most intense sun time of 10AM to 3PM. Wear protective clothing–long sleeves, a hat with a wide brim to protect your ears, and pants to cover your legs. Like your wallet, keys, or cell phone, don’t leave home without your sunscreen!
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. It usually forms on areas of skin frequently exposed to sun such as face, scalp, ears, neck, hands and arms. Basal cell carcinoma usually grows slowly and may appear as:
- A painless raised area of skin that may or may not appear to have small blood vessels running through it.
- An open sore that bleeds easily and may appear to heal but then returns.
- A reddish patch of skin that does not heal; it may itch.
- Flesh colored (pink, red, or brown) lumps; they may appear “pearly.”
- A scar-like area that may be flat, lighter in color than the surrounding skin and may appear taut and shiny.
Basal cell carcinomas are easily treated in their early stages. They rarely metastasize and rarely cause death, but they can cause destruction and damage to surrounding tissue. The best treatment is usually surgical removal.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer. It can occur on all areas of the body but is most commonly found on areas of the skin with frequent sun exposure. Squamous cell carcinoma can grow deeply if left untreated and can spread to other parts of the body, making it dangerous and deadly. Here are warning signs:
- A wart-like growth that feels rough and scaly; it may bleed easily.
- An open sore that bleeds and lasts for weeks.
- A lump with a central depression that bleeds and may grow in size quickly.
- A red, scaly patch that bleeds and crusts.
Squamous cell carcinomas are almost always curable if they are removed early. Remember, this cancer can spread to other parts of the body, so a dermatologist should check suspicious areas promptly.
Melanoma
Malignant melanoma is the least common, but most deadly, form of skin cancer. It is the most common form of cancer for women 25-29 years of age. Melanoma accounts for the vast majority of skin cancer deaths. Melanoma often occurs in an existing mole or looks like a new mole. Early detection of changes in your moles is key to diagnosing and treating melanoma. When treated early, it is usually curable. Warning signs are:
A mole that changes in size, shape, or color (a small number of melanomas are pink, red or flesh colored).
A mole that itches or bleeds.
A new dark spot that may itch or bleed.
One blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence can double your chance of developing melanoma later in life. Regular daily use of sunscreen can decrease the chance of melanoma by 50%. The first step in treating melanoma is EARLY DETECTION.