| The bad news is that there are more diagnosed | | | | the surface of the skin is called squamous cell |
| cases of skin cancer every year than any other | | | | carcinoma. Skin cancer that forms in the cells that |
| kind of cancer. The good news is that there are | | | | release hormones in response to signals from the |
| very, very few deaths attributed to this disease. | | | | nervous system is called neuroendocrine |
| Skin cancer is the most treatable of all types, and | | | | carcinoma of the skin. |
| the results of treatment are almost always | | | | Most cases occur in older people, and generally on |
| positive. This year, there are expected to be a | | | | parts of the body that are exposed to the sun or |
| million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed, but | | | | in people who have weakened immune systems. |
| only 1,000 deaths are expected that are caused | | | | Those with very fair skin are most prone to |
| by the disease. So you can see that even if you | | | | developing the disease. |
| are diagnosed with skin cancer, your odds are | | | | Many risk factors are associated with the |
| 1,000 to 1 that you will beat the disease. Those | | | | development of skin cancer, but the number one |
| are terrific odds! | | | | risk factor is unprotected exposure to the sun's |
| There are several different kinds of skin cancer. | | | | rays. Simple preventive measures like wearing |
| The one that forms in the cells that make | | | | sunscreen, avoiding being directly in the sun |
| pigment is called melanoma. Skin cancer that | | | | between 10 AM and 2 PM, wearing a hat, |
| forms in the small, round cells in the base of the | | | | sunglasses, and protective clothing (long sleeves |
| outer layer of skin is called basal cell carcinoma. | | | | and long pants) could prevent many cases of skin |
| The type that forms in the flat cells that form | | | | cancer. |