Skin cancer affects millions of people each year without concern for ethnicity or age. The three most common types include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. With skin cancer being the most common form of cancer in America, it is important to become educated as to the various types, as well as the ways in which skin cancer can be identified and prevented.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common type of skin cancer, affects the basal cells that inhabit the top layer of the skin. It is also the most common type of cancer overall. Typically, BCC is caused by overexposure to sunlight. However, rare cases of BCC have been caused by exposure to other carcinogens, as well as complications from other causes of damage to the skin, such as burns and infections. BCC can be identified as a persistent sore, a reddish patch, a shiny bump, a pink growth or a scarlike area.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most common skin cancer, affects the squamous skin cells, which are present in the upper layers of the skin. The causes of SCC include those that cause BCC, as well as frequent tanning bed use, a weakened immune system and genetic predisposition. SCC can typically be identified as an eczemalike or wartlike area of the skin that can bleed when bumped. SCC may also appear as a craterlike sore with a crusted surface.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer, and by far the deadliest. Melanoma occurs within melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the skin. Factors involved in the risk assessment of developing melanoma include exposure to the sun, skin type, the extent to which moles are present and family history. Melanoma may appear to be asymmetrical, or absent of color uniformity. It may also have uneven edges and be larger than the size of a pencil eraser. If a spot on your skin changes in any way over time, there is a chance that it may be melanoma.
Prevention
Avoiding the sun during the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. will prevent exposure to the sun's most damaging rays. When sun exposure is unavoidable, wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Additionally, tanning and the use of tanning beds should be avoided. Ideally, self-examinations should be performed once a month. Consult with your doctor to determine the appropriate frequency of both your self-examinations and the skin checks your doctor performs.
Considerations
Darker-skinned people have greater melanin in their skin, which serves as a natural sunscreen, although it doesn't offer full protection. Those with darker skin tones should continue to take preventative measures to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.
Not all skin cancer is caused by sun exposure. Also, the time at which skin cancer is identified is crucial. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, "The survival rate for patients whose melanoma is detected early is about 99 percent. The survival rate falls to 15 percent for those with advanced disease."
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