Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Fortunately, many types of skin cancer are easy to cure.

Most skin cancer is caused by sun damage. Most skin cancers occur on the face, neck, and arms, where sun exposure is greatest. However, skin cancer can also occur on non-sun exposed areas. Light skinned, blue eyed people are more likely to develop skin cancer. Darker skinned people have less risk.

Most skin cancers are slow growing, easy to recognize, and easy to treat in a doctor's office. A small percentage of skin cancers are more serious.

There are three main types of skin cancer: Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

NON MELANOMA SKIN CANCERS (Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma)

Skin cancers of the non-melanoma type (basal cell and squamous cell cancers) tend to develop in sun exposed areas. They differ from non-cancerous growths in several important ways. Skin Cancers:

• Tend to bleed and develop into open sores that do not heal
• Tend to grow

MELANOMA

Most moles are harmless. However, malignant melanoma (cancerous mole) can be fatal and should be promptly treated. Monitor your moles. Normal moles are brown or tan spots. If your moles do not change over time, there should be little cause for concern. Be concerned about moles that change and are abnormal in shape, color, or diameter. Watch for the ABCDs ( see below) of mole watching as they may be the telltale signs of melanoma. Be sure to report these changes to your doctor.

ABCDs of Mole Watching

• A: Asymmetrical shape: One half does not match the other
• B: Border Irregularity: The edges are ragged, notched or blurred
• C: Color: The color is not uniform
• D: Diameter: Larger than a pencil eraser

Sun Protection Tips

Avoiding excessive exposure to the sun can prevent most skin cancers. Much damaging sun exposure has occurred by age 20, so keep your children protected. Cummulative exposure to sun is a major factor in some types of skin cancers.

EXAMINE YOUR SKIN AT HOME

Examine you skin with a mirror or another person’s help. Do this monthly. Note any changes to your doctor.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SKIN CANCER

The American Academy of Dermatology is an excellent resource for current information on Skin Cancer www.aad.org/skincnrUpdates.html/

MelanomaNet provides up to date information on melanoma and is an educational program brought to you by the American Academy of Dermatology www.skincarephysicians.com/skincancernet/melanoma_staged_treated.html

Click here for an Introduction to Skin Cancer

Information on Skin Cancer and other topics from the New Zealand Dermatology Society www.dermnet.org.nz