Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer in the United States. Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells that most commonly occur in areas that are exposed to the sun. Skin cancer can occur is areas nor exposed to the sun also.

There are three different kinds of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. According to the Center for Disease Control 6.1 million adults are treated for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas annually. According to the American Cancer Society’s estimates for melanoma in the United States for 2024 are:

·       About 100,640 new melanomas will be diagnosed (about 59,170 in men and 41,470 in women).

·       About 8,290 people are expected to die of melanoma (about 5,430 men and 2,860 women).

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends that we develop a lifelong habit of self-skin exams. Additionally you can schedule an annual skin cancer screening appointment with your dermatologist or visit an American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Association Skin Cancer Screening Site for a free exam. Wearing sunscreen is an easy way to protect your skin from skin damage. Please check the AAD Guidelines on picking the best type of sunscreen to protect your skin against skin cancer and remember to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.

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