You’ve probably heard someone say, “I just want a healthy tan,” “I’ve got to get that mole checked out someday,” or even “I’m not worried about it – it’s only skin cancer.” Our society tends to take skin cancer and its causes lightly, but in reality skin cancer is widespread and dangerous.

Skin cancer is a neoplasm or growth within the skin; abnormal cells growing at an accelerated pace. It is the most common form of cancer, impacting millions of Americans each year, resulting in discomfort, expense, disfiguration, and sometimes death.

Most skin cancers are classified as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or malignant melanoma. While basal cell and squamous cell do not usually result in mortality, treatment may require surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Melanoma is a much more aggressive form, capable of spreading quickly to vital organs.

Skin cancer results from a variety of factors such as:

• Heredity, an inherited predisposition to develop skin cancer, or a very fair complexion
• Exposure to human papilloma virus (HPV)
• A wound that won’t heal
• Exposure to chemical carcinogens
• Tobacco use

The biggest contributor to skin cancer, UV exposure, is controllable. Repeated exposure or serious burns from the sun or tanning beds dramatically increases your risk of developing skin cancer. By shielding your skin with sun block and protective clothing, avoiding direct sunlight during mid-day, and steering clear of tanning beds you’ll enjoy a smoother, more youthful complexion (all over your body!), and reduce your chances of contracting skin cancer.

It is important to see your dermatologist right away if you have a suspicious lesion. Watch for any changes in moles or pigmentation spots, marks that are asymmetrical or have irregular borders, multiple or unusual color, those larger than the diameter of a pencil eraser, an oozing sore, or a lump under the skin. Early detection is critical to successful treatment.

An initial skin mapping and regular check-ups at Darst Dermatology allow a professional assessment of changes. Know the facts about skin cancer, and call today to schedule an appointment.