Types Of Skin Cancer

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Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and the number of people who are diagnosed with it is higher than prostate, lung, colon and breast cancer combined (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2014). If it is diagnosed and treated in time it is also the easiest type of cancer to cure. Knowing the different types of skin cancer, recognizing the signs of symptoms of each type, the risk factors, treatment, and prevention will increase your odds of an early diagnosis.
Types of skin cancer
Types of skin cancer are melanoma, and non-melanoma, which are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma is the rarer of the types and begins in the melanocytes or pigmented cells of the skin (National Cancer Institute, 2013). It is more serious than non-melanoma cancers because it can spread to other areas of the body. Non-melanoma cancers are more common and begin in the basal and squamous layers of the skin (National Cancer Institute, 2013). It is rare that this type of cancer spreads to any other area of the body.
Signs and symptoms
With melanoma, you should check all of your moles for any irregularities. If you notice a change in an existing mole such as its shape, size, color, and feel or are unsure about a new mole, you should contact your physician. Use the ABDCE acronym when checking moles for melanoma. ABCDE stands for asymmetry-one side doesn’t match the other, border-irregular with ragged edges, color-uneven and contains various shades of brown, black, or tan, diameter-increase in size, and evolving-the mole has changed over a period of time (National Cancer Institute, 2011).
With non-melanoma cancers, you would question areas of the skin that are unusual. Any open sores which may crust over and the...

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...y patients on the dangers of the sun and its effects on our skin. I remember the days when I was young and we would go to the beach and it was the “in” thing to do to use baby oil and just bake in the sun. Not only does that increase your chances of getting skin cancer but it also damages you skin in other ways like premature aging and sun spots. Not very attractive to look like you are 50 when you are actually 30.
Conclusion
Even though skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, it is also preventable if you know the right steps to take. Education on the different types of cancer, risk factors, and preventative measures will help to decrease your chances of ever hearing that dreaded diagnosis “cancer”. Do self-skin checks every month and take those extra steps to protect yourself when you are outside in the sun. It will pay off in the long run.

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