Skin Damage and Skin Cancer

The American Cancer Society estimates that 62,190 people will be diagnosed with melanoma in 2006 and thousands of skin cancers patients will die from this disease. Approximately 1.3 million Americans are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer every year.
What is non-melanoma skin cancer? Most skin cancers are classified as non-melanoma, with skin damage located in either basal cells (80% of all skin cancer) or squamous cells. Most of this type of skin cancer develop on sun exposed areas of the body such as the face, ears, neck, lips, and the backs of hands. This skin cancer rarely spreads, can be easily removed, and is seldom lethal.

What is melanoma skin cancer? This type of skin cancer begins with skin damage in the cells that produce skin coloring or pigment known as melanin. It is usually caused by over-exposure to UV. Although it accounts for a small percentage of skin cancer, it is far more dangerous than other skin cancers and causes the majority of skin cancer deaths. However, it is nearly 100% treatable if detected early.

Risk Factors for Skin Cancer:
- Unprotected and/or excessive exposure to UV
- Fair complexion
- Family history
- Severe sunburns/skin damage as a child

However - ANYONE can develop skin cancer.
Some Statistics:
- Each severe sunburns during childhood doubles the likelihood of developing melanoma skin cancer.
- The flip side of this is that if we can prevent sunburns in kids, skin cancer and death from skin cancer will decrease!
- A sun tan, most scientists would agree, is not a sign of good health, but rather a danger signal indicating that the skin is under attack and suffering skin damage. In other words, a suntan is in essence the result of "cooking" ones skin, a more obvious way to consider the skin damage from a golden tan.
- Skin cancer caused by UV may not appear for many years, or even decades, after exposure.