| Because skin cancer can strike anyone, it is very | | | | non-melanoma skin cancer and is the most |
| important to recognize the types of cancer. It is | | | | common type in America. It starts growing in the |
| equally important to know the symptoms and the | | | | epidermis, at the top level of the skin. It is usually |
| risk factors involved so that you can decide if | | | | painless and is often found on areas of the skin or |
| you are susceptible to the disease. For the most | | | | scalp that have had a high UV sunlight exposure. |
| parts, they are classified as either melanoma or | | | | This form of cancer can strike at any age. It |
| non-melanoma, with the most common types | | | | generally is contained in one area and seldom |
| being basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell | | | | spreads if it is treated quickly. Basal cell carcinoma |
| carcinoma. | | | | often is difficult to detect because it resembles |
| You may be at risk for developing skin cancer if | | | | normal skin. However, the skin area may be |
| you have a fair complexion with or without | | | | waxy and pinkish or brownish in color. |
| freckles. Also, if your hair and eyes are light your | | | | Squamous cell carcinoma is generally caused by |
| chances of getting cancer rise. Another element | | | | prolonged sun exposure. It presents itself initially |
| that influences your chances of getting the | | | | as small tumor-like bumps on the skin that |
| disease is family history. Your age makes a | | | | increase in size. The skin surrounding the cancer is |
| difference too: It often strikes people over age | | | | sometimes rough, with erupting red patchy areas. |
| 50. If you sunburned easily as a child and/or | | | | It can be found almost anywhere on the body |
| continue to be exposed often to the sun's UV | | | | but most often on the face, arms, hands and |
| rays, you are likely to develop it. It is even | | | | ears. It most often occurs in people who are |
| possible to get the disease by continual exposure | | | | older than age 50 and who have fair skin and light |
| to tanning beds and tanning lights. These risk | | | | hair and eyes. |
| factors are informational only: This disease can | | | | Both of these types of skin cancer can be |
| strike anyone, at any time and at any age | | | | treated successfully if caught in the early stages |
| regardless of the preceding risk indicators. | | | | of the disease. |
| Basal cell carcinoma is a slow growing | | | | |