Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month • Health Blog • Community Care Physicians

Updated Monday, Feb 14, 2022

What are skin cancers/melanoma?

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma each arise from different cell types in the top layer of the skin
BCC and SCC are far more common than melanoma and also less dangerous
Over 2 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with BCC and SCC annually
In comparison, approximately 139,000 people will be newly diagnosed this year with melanoma – the most deadly form of skin cancer

BCC and SCC are usually raised pink areas that are scaly, shiny, crusted, or non-healing
Melanoma is typically brown, black, or multicolored. Melanoma usually starts as a flat spot, and in some cases stays that way for months or years, but eventually it will turn into a bump
There are many completely benign skin spots that can resemble skin cancer, but if you have any question, the best approach is to get your skin checked by a professional

Keep an eye out for any changes in your skin
Make a habit of regularly checking your entire skin surface from head to toe, about once a month
Consider having an annual skin check completed by your dermatologist or primary care physician
Be sure to have anything you think is suspicious checked out by your dermatologist

Take advantage of shade. This can be accomplished by using an umbrella at the pool or beach, a hat, sunglasses and keeping your shirt on while mowing the lawn. Though it is important to remember that the sun rays can bounce so even if you are in the shade, you may not be completely protected
If you know your skin will be exposed, broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen would provide adequate protection
Don't be stingy with applying the sunscreen – you have to use a generous layer to achieve the SPF on the label and reapply!
Reapply the sunscreen every couple of hours if you'll be outside for a long time and more often if you're swimming or sweating
Avoid tanning booths! They do not protect you from the damage the ultraviolet rays are doing to your skin and they increase the risk of melanoma

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States with more than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are diagnosed annually
Melanoma is more than 20 times more common in Caucasian Americans than in African Americans
The risk of melanoma increases with age – the average age at the time it is found is 62
The 5-year survival rate for patients, whose melanoma is detected early, before the tumor has penetrated the skin, is about 97 percent