Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. It is strongly associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning lamps. UV radiation is made up of two types of rays known as UVA and UVB. UVB rays cause sunburn and have long been thought to be the primary cause of UV-related skin cancers. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and have more recently been thought to cause skin cancers. About 85%-95% of skin cancers are cured. The National Cancer Institute feels that nearly 100% of skin cancers could be cured if they are diagnosed before they have a chance to spread. Prevention and early detection are the most important tools in the cure of skin cancer.

There are 3 types of skin cancer—melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Melanoma usually begins as a mole. Doctors use ABCDE to identify early warning signs of melanoma.

A is for asymmetry. The means the mole is lopsided and is not an even circle.

B is for borders. The mole has ragged or uneven edges.

C is for color. The color is not an even brown but a mix of black, brown, red, blue, and white.

D is for diameter. The diameter is larger than a pencil eraser.

E is for evolving. The mole changes in size, shape, or symptoms such as itching or tenderness.

Carcinomas are far less deadly but are far more common. They usually appear as small, smooth, shiny, pale or waxy lumps, or sometimes as a firm red lump. A precancerous condition called actinic keratosis, a rough, red or brown scaly patch on the skin may develop into squamous cell carcinoma. It usually occurs in areas that have been exposed to the sun, such as the face, the back of the hands and the lower lip. Researchers estimate that 40% to 50% of people who live to age 65 will be diagnosed with one of these skin cancers. They can occur anywhere but are typically on the head, face, neck, hands, and arms. They grow more slowly than melanoma and rarely spread to other areas, but need to be treated as well. Your overall chance of developing a skin cancer is related to your lifetime exposure to UV radiation. While most skin cancers appear after age 50, the sun's damaging effects begin at an early age. It's important to start sun protection in childhood to prevent skin cancer later in life. Check your skin once a month for new growths or other changes in your skin, and report any unusual growths to a doctor.

References: http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2005/August2005/docs/01features_01.htm#feature01

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