What is it?

Understanding skin cancer is the first part to effective treatment and prevention.

Most common type of cancer
Can be self-diagnosed from symptoms but should be examined by a doctor
Treatable by a medical professional

Skin cancer is a skin injury caused by mutations occurring in the skin cell DNA which cause abnormal cells to multiply out of control. One of the most common causes of these DNA mutations leading to skin cancers are UV radiation, which is found in sunlight and tanning lamps/beds. Although too much UV radiation increases your risk of skin cancer, not spending enough time in the sun can also increase the risk of skin cancer, especially those who are genetically predisposed or have weakened immune systems. The symptoms that develop are determined by the type and severity of the skin cancer. However, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) tend to have small blood vessels visible within the tumor and a central depression with crusting/bleeding (ulceration). Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) commonly has a well-defined, red, scaling, thickened bump on sun-exposed skin that could ulcerate and bleed. Abnormal brown or pink spots and moles are another common symptom. There's no specific cure for skin cancers, but there are available treatment options. The most common treatment is surgery such as wide excision, lymphatic mapping, lymph node dissection, radiation therapy usually with around a 92% Success Rate. On the other hand, medication is also used such as immunotherapy (25-45% success rate), targeted therapy, and chemotherapy (12-15% success rate).