SKIN CANCER

Skin Cancer Epidemiology

• 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.

• 1 person dies of melanoma every hour

• Nearly 50% of Americans who live to age 65 will have skin cancer at least once.

Type of skin Cancers

There are 3 main types of skin cancer.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

• ​Most Benign skin cancer

• Appears as pearly/ waxy bump or flat brown lesion on sun exposed areas

• It is least likely to spread and can be easily treated

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• Appears as a firm Red pimple / nodule on a scaly patch

• It can be easily treated if it is detected early

• It is more likely to spread than basal cell carcinoma

Melanoma

• These are preexisting mole that grows rapidly, change in shape or color, evolve into different texture

• This os the most serious form of skin cancer

• It can spread easily to other parts of the body and therefore if not diagnosed early , it can be difficult to treat.

Risk factors for Skin Cancer

• A lighter natural skin color

• Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun.

• Blue or green eyes.

• Blond or red hair.

• Certain types and a large number of moles.

• A family history of skin cancer.

• Personal history of skin cancer.