May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month

National Cancer Institute’s Definition of Skin Cancer: Cancer that forms in the tissues of the skin. There are several types of skin cancer. Skin cancer that forms in melanocytes (skin cells that make pigment) is called melanoma. Skin cancer that forms in the lower part of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) is called basal cell carcinoma. Skin cancer that forms in squamous cells (flat cells that form the surface of the skin) is called squamous cell carcinoma. Skin cancer that forms in neuroendocrine cells (cells that release hormones in response to signals from the nervous system) is called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. Most skin cancers form in older people on parts of the body exposed to the sun or in people who have weakened immune systems.

Sun safety is not just for vacation…are you sun-safe every day?

Take The American Cancer Society’s Quiz and find out!

Interesting Fact:
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S.
More than 2 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually.

Risk Factors of Skin Cancer
Anyone can get skin cancer, but some things put you at higher risk, like having:

  • A lighter natural skin color.
  • A personal history of skin cancer.
  • A family history of melanoma.
  • Exposure to the sun through work and play.
  • A history of sunburns early in life.
  • Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun.
  • Blue or green eyes.
  • Naturally blond or red hair.

Courtesy of Center for Disease Control and Prevention

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