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Skin Cancer Facts
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- Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. One out of every five people in the United States will develop skin cancer during their lifetime.
- Exposure to UV radiation through sunlight or tanning booths increases the risk of all skin cancers.
- People with a lot of moles or who have moles that are large have an increased risk of malignant melanoma.
- Risk of malignant melanoma is greater if there is a family history (mother, father, brother, sister, child) of the disease.
- People who have been treated with medicines that suppress the immune system may also have an increased risk of melanoma.
- Exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic and coal tars, or to high-dose X-ray treatments have been associated with skin cancers.
- Although rare, potentially deadly melanoma skin cancer can develop in childhood or during the teen years.
- People with a high risk of skin cancer should apply sunscreen every day. Test sunscreen on a small patch of skin to check for an allergic reaction before applying to young children. Keep infants out of the sun.
- Sunscreen is necessary even on cloudy days, when 70 to 80 percent of the harmful rays can go through cloud cover. The sun's rays can burn in up to 3 feet of water and can reflect off sand, water, concrete and similar surfaces.
- Certain medications can make your skin more sensitive to sun damage.
- Both basal and squamous cancer are typically found on exposed parts of the body, such as the face, neck, forearms and scalp. Malignant melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer may be found on skin that is always covered.
- Malignant melanoma, like basal cell and squamous cell cancers, is almost always curable in its early stages. Melanoma is much more likely than basal or squamous cell cancer to spread to other parts of the body. The five-year survival rate for malignant melanoma caught in a localized stage is 95 percent. The rate drops to 16 percent if the disease spreads to distant areas of the body.
- African-Americans and other dark-skinned people usually get skin cancer on the lighter (less pigmented) areas of their bodies, such as Palms, soles of their feet and fingernails.
- Skin self-exams are recommended every one to three months. Any suspicious skin problems should be checked by a dermatologist.
- For more facts on skin cancer and how to reduce your risk, call the American Cancer Society at 800/ACS-2345 or contact their website at www.cancer.org.
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