Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. It is
normal for your body to replace old cells with new ones. Sometimes skin
cells keep dividing when new cells are not needed and skin cancer occurs.
Risk Factors
Anyone, including people with dark skin, hair and eyes, can develop skin
cancer, not just those at higher risk. You are at higher risk if you have:
• Spent a lot of time in the sun
• Family members with skin cancer
• Certain types or a large number of moles
• Skin that burns or freckles in the sun
• Light-colored skin, hair and eyes
Prevention
• Avoid being in the sun from 10 AM to 4 PM.
• Wear clothing such as a hat, long sleeves and pants to block the sun’s
rays.
• Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher year
round when you are going outside.
• Learn to know what skin cancer looks like.
• Check your skin monthly. Report any changes to your doctor.
• If you are at risk, see a doctor who specializes in the skin called a
dermatologist each year for a skin exam.
There are 3 major types of skin cancer:
• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): This is the most common. This cancer
grows in the basal cells in the lowest layer of the skin. This type grows
slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but early treatment is
needed. This type appears on skin exposed to the sun such as the face,
ears, scalp, and upper body. Look for:
─ Shiny or pearly bumps or growths
─ A sore that heals and then re-opens
─ A pink, slightly raised growth
─ Red, irritated patches of skin
─ A waxy scar