Skin Cancer Facts

Skin cancer is the uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells in a layer of the skin. It is the most prevalent form of cancer. Estimates of incidence rates range from one in five to one in seven Americans. Ninety percent of all skin cancers are curable if detected early

One American dies of skin cancer every hour. Ninety percent (90% ) of skin cancer is caused by solar exposure. Over 80% of a person's lifetime exposure and risk takes place in the first 18 years of life.

Skin cancer rates are increasing at an alarming rate worldwide.

One bad sunburn as a child doubles the chance of developing skin cancer later in life.

Monthly skin self-examinations are a crucial step in the early detection of skin cancer.

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The three most common types of skin cancer are:

Basal cell carcinoma. Appears as raised, translucent lumps. Develops in 300,000-400,000 persons per year.Basal cell carcinoma does not typically spread to other parts of the body through the blood stream, although it may cause considerable damage by direct growth and invasion.

Squamous cell carcinoma, is usually marked by raised reddish lumps or growths. This form of cancer develops in 80-100,000 persons per year. It can spread to other parts of the body. Approximately 2,000 deaths per year are attributable to this form of cancer.

Malignant melanoma, first appears as a light brown to black irregularly shaped blemish. If undetected, this is the deadliest form of skin cancer as it can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream and the lymph drainage system.

All can be curable if detected in the early stages.