Skin Cancer Facts

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Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all types of cancers. It is estimated that more than one million Americans develop skin cancer every year.

Fair-skinned people who sunburn easily are at a particularly high risk for developing skin cancer. Other less important factors include repeated medical and industrial x-ray exposure, scarring from diseases or burns, occupational exposure to compounds such as coal, tar and arsenic, and family history.

The best defense against skin cancer is sun avoidance. Overexposure to ultraviolet light (sunlight or tanning lamps), especially if it results in sunburn and blistering, is the main cause of skin cancer. Prevention means guarding the skin against the known causes of skin cancer. Since the sun's ultraviolet rays are the main culprit, the most effective preventive method is sun avoidance.

Helpful Links

American Academy of Dermatology

Look for Danger Signs in Pigmented Lesions of the Skin

Consult your dermatologist immediately if any of your moles or pigmented spots exhibit:

Asymmetry

Asymmetry--one half unlike the other half.

Border

Border --irregular, scalloped or poorly circumscribed border.

Color

Color -- varied from one area to another; shades of tan and brown, black; sometimes white, red or blue.

Diameter

Diameter -- while melanomas are usually greater than 6mm in diameter (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, they can be smaller.� If you notice a mole different from others, or which changes, itches, or bleeds (even if it is small) you should see a dermatologist.