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Skin Cancer – Don’t Let These Two Words Scare You
Posted On 18 May 2020

Skin Cancer – Don’t Let These Two Words Scare You

Skin Cancer – Don’t Let These Two Words Scare You

Cancer – It’s something everyone fears and sadly, many people experience. One of the most common types of cancer in the United States is skin cancer and despite popular belief, once it’s detected, it can be treated fairly quickly. The overall cure rate for this type of cancer is much higher than expected.

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer first begins in the cells that make up your skin. The different types of skin cancer start in different cells within your skin, such as basal cells, melanocytes, or squamous cells. One of the most common ways this illness occurs is over-exposure to sunlight.

Skin Cancer Throughout the United States

While there are several types of cancer that could affect the lives of people throughout the world, skin cancer is the most common. It may seem shocking at first, but we’ve listed a few points below that support this statement.

  • Every 1 in 5 Americans will have skin cancer by 70 years of age.
  • There are more than 2 people who die from skin cancer every hour in the U.S.
  • If you have more than 5 sunburns, you double your risk for developing melanoma.
  • If the skin cancer is detected early enough, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma will be 99%.

Most Common Types of Skin Cancer

Each case of skin cancer detected by a doctor is considered to be unique, especially if they believe it is a separate cancer. There may be multiple types of skin cancer cases with one person, depending on their genetic makeup and skin cells. A few of the most common types of skin cancers in the world, include those we have listed below.

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma, often referred to as BCC, is one of the most common types of skin cancer found in people. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates there to be more than 4 million cases of BCC diagnosed in the United States alone each year. But despite such a large number, the death rate from Basal Cell Carcinoma is very low. There are only around 3,000 people who die from this skin cancer each year. The places BCC is most commonly found on include the neck, back, face, scalp, arms and hands; however, it can also form in areas that aren’t exposed to the sun often.

  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma

According to research by the Skin Cancer Foundation, Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) has more than one million diagnoses each year in the nation. Sadly, this cancer type is the cause for around 15,000 deaths in the United States annually. SCC most often appears in areas that are frequently exposed to sunlight; however, similar to BCC, it may also develop in areas that are not exposed often such as the lips, in the mouth, or on the genitals.

  • Malignant Melanoma

Another common form of skin cancer is Malignant Melanoma. Unlike BCC and SCC, only 1% of all skin cancer cases is Malignant Melanoma; however, it does cause more deaths. This is the most serious type of skin cancer to be diagnosed with as it develops in the same cells as moles. Due to this, it is particularly dangerous because most people mistake it for a common mole on their skin. If you notice a new mole on your skin that is disfigured, dark and rough around the edges, you may want to see a dermatologist for further testing.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late – Come See Us at Winston Salem Dermatology for Relief

Here at Winston Salem Dermatology, our skin care specialists and dermatologists are educated and trained to diagnose and treat most any type of skin cancer. We understand how scary it can be to think about, but we promise you’ll be in good hands by choosing to partner with us. If you’ve recently discovered a blemish or rash that worries you, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (336) 774-8636 or visit our website Winston Salem Dermatology to learn more about our treatments and staff. Remember, your skin is our passion.