Skin Cancer Over 40
The American Cancer Society estimates there will be about 10,850 deaths from skin cancer in 2007. Of those, 8,110 will be from melanoma and 2,740 from other skin cancers. Awareness and early detection are key to treating skin cancer. My goal is to use this section to help raise the level of awareness with regards to cancers of the skin.
There are 3 major types of skin cancer:
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Most common type of skin cancer with approximately 1 million new cases diagnosed each year. Basal Cell Carcinoma is relatively easy to treat if caught early.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma or SCC, is the 2nd most common type of skin cancer with roughly a quarter of a million new cases each year in the US. Approximately 95% of SCC's are localized and easily treatable, but left untreated, these cancers can spread to other organs and become a serious problem.
Melanoma
While not the most common type of cancer, melanoma is the deadliest. The key to treatment of melanoma is catching it early. When caught early, the survival rate is excellent! If melanoma is allowed to grow and spread, this skin disease can prove fatal.