Skin cancer rates are skyrocketing in the United States. In fact, one in five Americans is diagnosed with skin cancer at some point in their lives. It’s the most common form of cancer with more new cases than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined.
Recent studies show that it can result as an accumulative effect from sun damage (90 percent in the case of nonmelanoma skin cancers). Florida’s near year-round high temperatures means we are all at a higher risk.
What are the Different Types of Skin Cancer?
- Melanoma is the most deadly of all skin cancers. It causes more than 75 percent of skin cancer deaths. One American dies of melanoma almost every hour.
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequently occurring skin cancer. Though they are generally easily treated, BCCs tend to keep growing if untreated and in rare cases can start to spread.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most frequently occurring skin cancer. An estimated 65 percent of them arise in lesions previously diagnosed as AKs. Most are easily treated, but if not removed, some can metastasize, becoming life threatening.
- Actinic Keratoses (AKs) are pre-cancers that can turn into SCC if left untreated. They are often an early stage in the development of skin cancer.
Early Detection of Skin Cancer is Key!
Cure rates are high and recurrence rates are low for cancers that are caught and treated early. It’s important to check for changes in size, shape and color of pigmented areas.
About Dr. Steppie
Michael Steppie, MD is the president and medical director of Associates in Dermatology which has served the medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology needs of Central Floridians for over 25 years in 15 convenient locations.