What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States today. What we call skin cancer is
actually 3 types of disease: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Melanoma is the
most dangerous.
Skin cancer is caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. UV radiation also comes from tanning
booths or sunlamps. Anyone can get skin cancer, though people with light complexions are at greater risk.
With early detection and diagnosis, skin cancer is almost 100% curable. Check your skin regularly for new
growths and other signs of cancer, and talk to your doctor if you find any changes.