Am I at Risk for Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer rates are skyrocketing in the United States, where more than 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually, and around the world. In fact, one in five Americans is diagnosed with skin cancer at some point in their lives. It is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. with more new cases than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.

Skin cancer is a malignant condition that begins with the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. Recent studies show it can result as an accumulative effect from sun damage (90 percent in the case of non-melanoma skin cancers). Florida’s near year-round high temperatures means you can be at a higher risk for developing the condition.

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 is the most frequently occurring. Tough as they are generally easily treated, this type of skin cancer tends to keep growing if left untreated and in rare cases can start to spread.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most frequently occurring. An estimated 65 percent of them arise in lesions previously diagnosed as actinic keratoses. While most are easily treated, if they are not removed, some can metastasize and spread to distant tissues and organs, becoming life threatening.
• Actinic Keratoses are pre-cancers that can turn into squamous cell carcinomas 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 is important to check for changes in size, shape and color of pigmented areas and discuss any concerns with a medical professional. The Skin Cancer Foundation highly recommends an annual full-body skin exam by a dermatologist.

Source: Skin Cancer Foundation and American Academy of Dermatology