Skin cancer has fast become the number one diagnosed cancer in the world; while it is impossible to prevent all forms of skin cancer, there are definitely steps that can be taken in order to minimize your risks of developing melanoma skin cancers.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

The most common form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma affects over two million people every year; making it, in fact, the most frequently diagnosed of all cancers. With more than a third of all newly diagnosed cancer cases being skin cancer, it is has never been more important to take the steps to protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun. Thankfully basal cell carcinoma is one of the easiest types of skin cancer to treat – which is why early detection is so important.

The majority of basal skin cancer cases develop on the parts of the body that have been exposed to excessive amounts of natural sunlight and the artificial light provided by sun tanning beds. Those at highest risk for developing this type of skin cancer are those who have a history of excessive sun exposure and have fair skin with a combination of red or blond hair. By taking the steps to protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun, you will be able to significantly decrease your risks of developing this form of skin cancer.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

After basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma is the second most commonly diagnosed skin cancer. These forms of skin cancer are most likely to be caused by excessive exposure to the sun and can appear on all areas of the body – including those the areas that do not necessary get much sun exposure, like mucous membranes.

In general, the areas that squamous cell carcinoma’s will appear in will show signs of severe sun damage; including pigmentation changes and wrinkling. If you have a prior history of developing basal cell carcinoma then you are much more likely to develop squamous cell carcinomas, especially if you use a tanning bed. With early detection there is a much higher rate of curability for these types of skin cancers so it is vital that any lesions are carefully examined by a dermatologist.

Melanoma Skin Cancers

Melanoma skin cancer is the most dangerous and the most deadly form of skin cancer; when these types of skin cancer are allowed the time to metastasize to other parts of the body they can cause severe illness, disfiguration, and even loss of life. If diagnosed and treated in its early stages, melanoma skin cancer is treatable and curable.

Protect yourself against the risks of developing one of the top three types of skin cancers by protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays and from the use of tanning beds. Prevention is better than a cure, so be sure to understand your risks and do your part to lower your risks.