Skin cancer is an irregular growth of skin cells and most often grows in areas of the skin exposed to UVA/UVB sun rays. Because there are many types of skin cancer, it’s important to know all of the signs and all the risks. People with fair skin and hair usually burn more easily and are therefore more likely to develop it. However, skin cancer occurs in people of all colors and ethnicities.
Recognizing skin cancer when you see it
Actinic Keratoses (AK) are dry spots or scaly patches that are precancerous. Fair skin people usually get actinic keratosis.
- These commonly show up after age 40, after lots of sun exposure over time. The head and neck, hands and arms are where they often occur.
- Because this skin condition can turn into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), treatment is important.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer.
- It develops in people with fair skin, but sometimes in people with darker skin too.
- It looks like a fleshy, pearl-shaped bump.
- It is caused by too much sun and/or tanning beds.
- It appears on the head, neck, and arms but can show up anywhere.
- It can grow and affect the surrounding tissue.
- Get early diagnosis and treatment.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the next most common skin cancer.
- It develops in people with fair skin, but sometimes in people with darker skin too.
- It appears as a firm red bump, scaly patch or a sore that won’t heal.
- It tends to form on skin that gets lots of sun: face and neck, ears, arms, chest, and back.
- It can grow deep in the skin and cause damage,
- Get early diagnosis and treatment.
Melanoma is the worst skin cancer. It often starts in a freckle or mole or appears as a previously unseen darkly colored spot.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are essential
- Knowing the warning signs of melanoma will help you spot it.
Not getting too much sun and having annual screenings are two things you can do to avoid skin cancer.
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