1. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.
It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
2. More than 3.5 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer each year.
That’s more than all other cancers combined.
3. Skin cancer can occur on any part of the body, but is most commonly found on the face, neck, chest, back, and legs.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma, and it is usually found on the head, neck, or hands.
4. Skin cancer is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.
Tanning beds are a major source of UV radiation in young people and are illegal in many states. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, approximately 1 in 3 high school students in the United States have used a tanning bed.
5. People with fair skin, blue or green eyes, and red or blonde hair are at the highest risk for developing skin cancer.
A person’s risk for developing skin cancer is related to their skin type. But people with skin of color can develop skin cancer, too.
6. The best way to prevent skin cancer is to avoid excessive sun exposure and to use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
There are many types of sunscreen. Some sunscreens are meant to be applied to the skin, while sometimes clothing offers sun protection, too (this is called UPF, not SPF). There are also sunscreens that come in spray form.
Sunscreen should be applied about 20 minutes before going outside, especially when you are going to be in direct sunlight. Also, you should apply sunscreen to every inch of your skin that is exposed.
Once you have applied sunscreen, you should reapply it about every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating.
Sunscreen should be applied about 20 minutes before going outside, especially when you are going to be in direct sunlight.
Also, you should apply sunscreen to every inch of your skin that is exposed. Once you have applied sunscreen, you should reapply it about every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating.
7. If you notice any changes in your skin, such as a new mole or a change in an existing mole, you should see a dermatologist right away.
A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in the skin. They are the experts in everything from acne to skin cancer.
A dermatologist should assess:
-Changes on your face, neck, or hands
-Changes which are large or growing quickly
-Changes which are irregular in shape
-Changes which are multiple
-Changes which are a new color
-Changes which bleed or ooze
8. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, but it’s also the most treatable.
Wearing hats is a great way to protect the facial skin.
9. Skin cancer can be treated successfully if it is caught early.
Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
One of the best treatment options is Mohs surgery. This is a type of surgery where the cancerous tissue is removed layer by layer. The surgeon can see the margins of the tissue and make sure all the cancer is removed.
10. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and can be deadly if not caught early and treated.
One person dies every hour from melanoma. If you have any concerns about a mole or other skin growth, you should see a dermatologist.Sunscreen should be applied about 20 minutes before going outside, especially when you are going to be in direct sunlight. Also, you should apply sunscreen to every inch of your skin that is exposed. Once you have applied sunscreen, you should reapply it about every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating.
