Every year, more than 5.4 million people are diagnosed with skin cancers. Of those, more than 4,000 will die from the disease.
Most people think of skin cancer as a minor threat, something that is easily treated and not very deadly. But the truth is that skin cancers are the most common type of cancer in the United States. It is also one of the most deadly.
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancers, but it is also the least deadly. Squamous cell carcinoma is less common, but it is more aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated early. Melanoma is the rarest form of skin cancers, but it is also the most dangerous.
What is skin cancer?
There are several types of skin cancer, with the most common being basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These cancers develop in the cells that make up the outer layer of skin, known as the epidermis. Melanoma, a less common but more serious type of skin cancers, develops in the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.
skin cancer is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or other sources, such as tanning beds and lamps. UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells and can lead to mutations that cause the cells to grow out of control. People with fair skin are at greater risk for developing skin cancer because they have less melanin to protect their skin from UV damage.
The most common symptom of skin cancer is a change in the appearance of your skin.
Skin cancer is on the rise: statistics
skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be more than 3.5 million new cases of skin cancers diagnosed in the United States this year. That’s more than all other types of cancer combined.
One in five Americans will develop skin cancers by the age of 70. And, each year, more people are diagnosed with skin cancers than all other cancers combined. In fact, the incidence of skin cancers have been increasing over the past few decades.
The good news is that skin cancers are also one of the most preventable types of cancer. With early detection and treatment, the survival rate for most types of skin cancers are quite high.
Why is skin cancer so deadly?
skin cancers are the abnormal growth of skin cells, most often triggered by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning beds. skin cancers are the deadliest type of cancer in the United States, with more than 10,000 people dying from the disease each year.
There are two main types of skin cancer: melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma is the less common but more deadly type of skin cancers. It starts in melanocytes, the cells that give skin its color. Melanomas can grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body, where they can be difficult to treat. Non-melanoma skin cancers are less likely to spread and are generally easier to treat.
Most skin cancers can be treated successfully if they are caught early.
How to prevent skin cancer
Summertime is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s important to take steps to prevent skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun is the main cause.
There are two simple ways to help prevent skin cancer: use sunscreen and stay out of the sun. When choosing a sunscreen, look for one that has an SPF of 30 or higher and provides broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Be sure to apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
It’s also important to limit your time in the sun, especially during peak hours when UV rays are strongest. Seek shade whenever possible, and wear clothing that covers your skin.
skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are diagnosed annually.
While most skin cancer is curable, they can be deadly. Skin cancers kills more people than all other cancers combined.
The best way to prevent skin cancer is to avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight and to use sun protection when outdoors.