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Approximately one million people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year, but most cases can be effectively cured if detected and treated early.* Be aware of your risk and exposure to skin cancer, and take precautions to protect your skin from the sun’s rays.
The two most common kinds of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These are often called nonmelanoma skin cancers. Nonmelanoma skin cancers usually develop on sun-exposed areas of the body (i.e. face, ears, neck, back of hands). These cancers rarely spread, but it is important to diagnose and treat them early.
Possible symptoms for skin cancer include sores that do not heal and areas of the skin that are small, raised, smooth, shiny, waxy, red, scaly, rough or crusty. A doctor looking for nonmelanoma skin cancer will examine for bumps or spots that look abnormal in color, size, shape or texture.
Excessive exposure to the sun puts you at greater risk for skin cancer. For a personalized cancer risk assessment, visit MyCancerRisk.com. Sunscreen, shade, a hat, glasses and loose clothing can help defend against the sun’s harmful rays. Doctors recommend getting screened for skin cancer every three years by a health care professional qualified to diagnose skin cancer. Those at a higher risk for developing skin cancer are those exposed to a lot of artificial or natural sunlight, and people with scars or burns on their skin. Anyone is susceptible to developing skin cancer, although those with fair skin, red or blond hair and blue or light-colored eyes are at a higher risk. Pay attention to your skin and the way it looks. If you notice any changes or discoloration on any part of your skin, you should have it examined. For more information about detecting skin cancer, download a free informative newsletter.
Related Links:
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute
*American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts and Figures 2006, Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2006.