It is estimated that one in seven people in the United States will develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime. Fair-skinned people who burn easily are at higher risk, although anyone will increase their risk with every severe exposure to UV radiation from sunlight. Some researchers believe that one serious sunburn can increase the risk of skin cancer by as much as 50%. Planning a skin exam every year by your doctor is the best way to detect skin cancer early, as it is more treatable in the earliest stages. If you have experience any change in your skin surface, be sure to see your doctor to have it examined. Protection for yourself (and your children) from the sun is the best way to prevent all forms of skin cancer.
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Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, affecting 800,000 Americans each year. In fact, it is the most common of all cancers. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, affecting 800,000 Americans each year. In fact, it is the most common of all cancers. One out of every three new cancers is a skin cancer, and the vast majority are basal cell carcinomas, often referred to by the abbreviation, BCC. These cancers arise in the basal cells, which are at the bottom of the epidermis (outer skin layer).
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Squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma, afflicts more than 200,000 Americans each year. It arises from the epidermis and resembles the squamous cells that comprise most of the upper layers of skin. Squamous cell cancers may occur on all areas of the body including the mucous membranes, but are most common in areas exposed to the sun.
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Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. Even so, if diagnosed and removed while it is still thin and limited to the outermost skin layer, it is almost 100% curable. Once the cancer advances and metastasizes (spreads) to other parts of the body, it is hard to treat and can be deadly. During the past 10 years the number of cases of melanoma has increased more rapidly than that of any other cancer. Over 51,000 new cases are reported to the American Cancer Society each year, and it is probable that a great many more occur and are not reported.