Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, with over 1 million new cases diagnosed each year. The vast majority of skin cancers are curable if they are detected and treated early.
There are three main types of skin cancer:
• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It is usually slow-growing and appears as a small, pearly bump on the skin.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer. It is also usually slow-growing, but it can be more aggressive than BCC. SCC appears as a red, scaly patch on the skin.
• Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It is less common than BCC and SCC, but it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma appears as a dark, irregular patch on the skin.
Skin cancer is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or from tanning beds. UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, which can lead to the development of cancer.
The risk of skin cancer can be reduced by:
• Limiting exposure to UV radiation: Avoid spending long periods of time in the sun, especially during the peak hours of 10am to 4pm. When you are in the sun, wear protective clothing, such as a hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves and pants.
• Using sunscreen: Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin before going outside. Choose a sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating.
• Avoiding tanning beds: Tanning beds emit UV radiation that can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
If you notice any changes in your skin, such as a new growth, a change in the size or shape of an existing growth, or a change in the color of your skin, see a doctor right away. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer is essential for a successful outcome.
Treatment for skin cancer
The treatment for skin cancer depends on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, and the patient’s overall health. Treatment options may include:
• Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for skin cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancer cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery, or as a standalone treatment.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used to treat skin cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific molecules that are involved in the growth of cancer cells. Targeted therapy may be used to treat skin cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses the patient’s own immune system to fight cancer. Immunotherapy may be used to treat skin cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
The prognosis for skin cancer depends on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, and the patient’s overall health. With early detection and treatment, the majority of skin cancers can be cured.
