Skin Cancer Facts That You May Not Know

The first step to protecting yourself in the fight against this condition is understanding skin cancer facts. By arming yourself with knowledge, you have a much greater chance of never developing this condition, and if you do, being able to overcome it. Here are some facts about skin cancer that you may not know:

o Over one million people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer each year.
o Every year, more cases of skin cancer are diagnosed than breast, colon, lung and prostate cancers combined.
o One in five Americans will get skin cancer at some point in their lives.
o Basal cell carcinomas are the most common of this type of cancer. They are not life threatening, but they can cause disfigurement if surgery is required to remove them. About one million cases are diagnosed in the U.S. every year.
o Squamous cell carcinomas are the second most typical cancers diagnosed each year. Over 250,000 new cases are documented each year in the United States. This results in about 2,500 deaths each year.
o The rate of new melanoma cases is rising while other types of skin cancer rates are falling.
o Over 68,000 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed each year with over 8,000 deaths resulting.
o Survival from melanoma has increased from 49% to 92% in the last 50 years.
o Approximately 65% of melanoma cases are attributed to UV sunlight.
o 99% of melanomas can be cured if they are in the early stages and have no gone into the epidermis.
o One in 55 people will find out they have melanoma during their lifetime.
o Being blistered as a child or adolescent (sunburn) just one time more than doubles a person’s chances of getting melanoma later in their life.
o Most people who are diagnosed with melanoma are white men over age 50.
o Melanoma is uncommon in Asians, African Americans and Latinos, however when they do present with disease it is typically too far advanced at that time.
o If you have a mole which has changed colors, symmetry or has started to bleed or ooze liquid, you need to get it checked immediately by a dermatologist.
o You should wear makeup which blocks both UV-A and UV-B rays.
o Sunscreen should be worn daily even during the winter months. Use an SPF of at least 15.
o You should avoid getting a sunburn at all costs. Staying out of direct sunlight between 10am and 4pm is important.
o Do not use tanning booths!
o You should examine your skin at least once each month.

Knowing these facts about skin cancer is important because it arms you with the knowledge that can literally save your life. By taking notice of any changes on your skin, you will be able to stop the progression of any of the deadlier forms of skin cancer. Make sure to heed these warnings and follow these tips to protect yourself as well as your family members.