Do you know the 3 types of skin cancer?

    Skin cancer is a significant threat that does not discriminate based on age, gender or ethnicity. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.

    While the incidence rates of skin cancer are alarming, the good news is that skin cancer is highly curable if detected early and treated properly. Adults concerned about the threat posed by skin cancer can take a proactive approach by learning about the three main types of this often preventable disease. More information about skin cancer and how to prevent it is available at www.skincancer.org.

Basal cell carcinoma
    The American Cancer Society notes that roughly eight out of 10 skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas. Basal cells are in the lower part of the epidermis, or skin, which is known as the basal cell layer. Basal cell carcinomas typically develop on the head and neck or other areas of the body that are exposed to the sun. Though they rarely metastasize, basal cell carcinomas can spread to other areas of the body if left untreated.

Squamous cell carcinoma
    Squamous cell carcinomas most commonly appear on areas of the body that are exposed to the sun, though the SCF notes they also may occur on the mucous membranes and genitals. According to the SCF, in the United States alone, more than 1 million people each year are diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, which is mainly caused by cumulative sun exposure over the course of a lifetime.

Melanoma
    Though they are far less common than basal and squamous cell cancers, melanomas are more likely to grow and metastasize if left untreated. Melanomas develop when unrepaired DNA damage to skin calls triggers mutations that cause the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors. Ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanning beds is most often the cause of the damage connected to melanomas.

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