{"id":3093,"date":"2022-05-03T15:05:19","date_gmt":"2022-05-03T22:05:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/advancederm.net\/?p=3093"},"modified":"2024-03-27T12:52:37","modified_gmt":"2024-03-27T19:52:37","slug":"skin-cancer-awareness-month-why-it-is-so-important","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.advancederm.net\/skin-cancer-awareness-month-why-it-is-so-important\/","title":{"rendered":"Skin Cancer Awareness Month – Why it is so Important."},"content":{"rendered":"

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and at Advanced Dermatology & Skin Surgery, we take this opportunity to highlight a significant health issue that many of us still have questions on. We realize that keeping our patients informed is critically important in making sound health decisions. Why Skin Cancer Awareness month? Skin cancer is the number one cancer in the United States and worldwide. According to the <\/span>Skin Cancer Foundation<\/span><\/a>, more than 5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year, amounting to more skin cancers being diagnosed in the US every year than all cancers combined. It is estimated that 1 in 5 people will get skin cancer by the age of 70. One thing we can learn this month is that skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and when detected early, it can be treated successfully. Our very own Chadd Sukut, M.D., answers your top skin cancer questions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

What is Skin Cancer?<\/b><\/p>\n

Cancer is uncontrolled cell growth. Skin cancer occurs when skin cells, often damaged by the sun, begin to grow faster than normal in an uncontrolled fashion. While there are various types of cancer, usually determined by where the cancer originates, the three most common ones are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.<\/span><\/p>\n

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)<\/span> is the most common skin cancer. It starts in the basal cells, which are one of the three main cells on the top layers of the skin (epidermis). BCC is mainly caused by ultraviolet rays (UV) from the sun and indoor tanning beds, so you will see it in areas exposed to the sun. This includes your face, neck, chest, arms, legs, and back. It can be successfully treated when diagnosed early, but it can get into the deeper layers of the skin and cause severe damage to skin and bone if left unchecked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)<\/span> is the second most common skin cancer. Squamous cells are flat cells that grow on the top layer of the skin. SCCs also show up in sun-exposed areas but can be found anywhere. They can appear as scaly red patches, open sores, or rough, thick wart-like skin. Most SCCs are easily treatable but can become disfiguring, dangerous, and even deadly if they move to other parts of the body.<\/span><\/p>\n

Melanoma<\/span> is cancer of the melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color.) Although incidences of melanoma are smaller, it is considered the most dangerous of the three for its ability to spread more quickly. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the five-year survival rate for melanomas treated early is 99%. That number lowers to 30% if the melanoma spreads to the lymph nodes and other organs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The Key is Early Diagnosis<\/b><\/p>\n

Early diagnosis is essential because it allows for a better opportunity to cure skin cancer. The longer one has skin cancer, the more difficult it is to treat. Unlike other cancers that develop inside your body, skin cancers are visible on the outside, allowing us to help in the early diagnosis. The following two types of examinations are essential to catching problem areas on time.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n