Skin Cancer

“Check your skin once a month for things that may be
signs of cancer. Skin cancer is rarely painful. Look for
changes such as a new growth, a sore that doesn’t…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Skin Cancer Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma/Skin Cancer
  • Melanoma
  • Nonmelanoma/Non Melanoma/Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers
  • Skin Cancer
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma/Skin Cancer

Definition

What is skin cancer?

DotS the definition of skin cancer may vary. The (United States) National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) definition is:

  • “Skin cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the skin”.2

Types

What are some types of skin cancer?

DotS these may include:

  • Melanoma
  • Basal Cell Carcinoma
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Melanoma

What is melanoma?

DotS the definition of melanoma vary. The NCI’s definition is:

“Melanoma. A form of cancer that begins in melanocytes (cells that make the pigment melanin). It may begin in a mole (skin melanoma), but can also begin in other pigmented tissues, such as in the eye or in the intestines”.3

How common is melanoma?

In the United States according to the American Cancer Society (ACS):

“The American Cancer Society’s estimates for melanoma in the United States for 2022 are:

  • About 99,780 new melanomas will be diagnosed (about 57,180 in men and 42,600 in women)”.4

In the United Kingdom (UK) according to Cancer Research UK:

“Around 16,200 people are diagnosed with melanoma in the UK each year. The number of people diagnosed with melanoma has increased over the last few decades

Melanoma is the 5th most common cancer in the UK”.5

Basal Cell Carcinoma

What is basal cell carcinoma?

DotS the definition of basal cell carcinoma may vary. The NCI’s definition is:

“Basal Cell Carcinoma
Cancer that begins in the lower part of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). It may appear as a small white or flesh-colored bump that grows slowly and may bleed. Basal cell carcinomas are usually found on areas of the body exposed to the sun. Basal cell carcinomas rarely metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body. They are the most common form of skin cancer. Also called basal cell cancer”.6

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

What is squamous cell carcinoma?

DotS the definition of squamous cell carcinoma may vary. The NCI’s definition is:

“Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Cancer that begins in squamous cells. Squamous cells are thin, flat cells that look like fish scales, and are found in the tissue that forms the surface of the skin, the lining of the hollow organs of the body, and the lining of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Most cancers of the anus, cervix, head and neck, and vagina are squamous cell carcinomas. Also called epidermoid carcinoma”.7

How common are basal and squamous cell carcinoma?

In the U.S. according to the ACS:

“Cancers of the skin (most of which are basal and squamous cell skin cancers) are by far the most common of all types of cancer. According to one estimate, about 5.4 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the US (occurring in about 3.3 million Americans, as some people have more than one). About 8 out of 10 of these are basal cell cancers. Squamous cell cancers occur less often”.8

In the United Kingdom (UK) according to Cancer Research UK:

“Around 156,000 cases of non melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year. The number could be higher as we know that they are under reported. This makes it the most common type of cancer by far. Because non melanoma skin cancers are easy to treat and cure, they’re often left out of national cancer statistics”.9

Cause

What may cause skin cancer?

In How Does the Sun and UV Cause Cancer? How Can UV Cause Skin Cancer? Cancer Research UK elaborate on:

“Too much UV radiation from the sun or sunbeds can damage the DNA in our skin cells. DNA tells our cells how to function. If enough DNA damage builds up over time, it can cause cells to start growing out of control, which can lead to skin cancer”.10

Early Detection

What skin changes may be cancer?

The (United States) National Institute on Aging (NIA) explain:

“Check your skin once a month for things that may be signs of cancer. Skin cancer is rarely painful. Look for changes such as a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a bleeding mole”.11

In Skin Cancer: Skin Cancer Symptoms the Cancer Council Australia note:

“Become familiar with the look of your skin, so you pick up any changes that might suggest a skin cancer.

Look for:

  • Any crusty, non-healing sores
  • Small lumps that are red, pale or pearly in colour
  • New spots, freckles or any moles changing in colour, thickness or shape over a period of weeks to months”.12

In Detect Skin Cancer the American Academy of Dermatology explain:

“You can detect skin cancer early by following dermatologists’ tips for checking your skin. Download the AAD’s body mole map to document your self-examination, or the How To SPOT Skin Cancer™ Infographic and know what to look for when checking your spots”.13

ABCDE’s

What do the ABCDE’s stand for?

In Skin Care and Aging: Skin Cancer the NIA elaborate on:

“Check Moles, Birthmarks, or Other Parts of the Skin for the “ABCDE’s”

  • A = Asymmetry (one half of the growth looks different from the other half)
  • B = Borders that are irregular
  • C = Color changes or more than one color
  • D = Diameter greater than the size of a pencil eraser
  • E = Evolving; this means the growth changes in size, shape, symptoms (itching, tenderness), surface (especially bleeding), or shades of color

See your doctor right away if you have any of these signs to make sure it is not skin cancer”.14

Health Care Provider

What if I have some skin changes, including down there?

If you have some skin changes – anywhere, including “down there” – it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this as soon as possible.

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Skin Cancer?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Skin Cancer?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

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New or Updated

  1. A To Z of Skin
  2. About Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer
  3. About Melanoma Skin Cancer
  4. About Skin Cancer
  5. American Academy of Dermatology
  6. Anyone Can Get Skin Cancer
  7. Are Some People More Likely To Get Skin Damage From the Sun?
  8. Are Sunbeds Safe?
  9. Basal Cell Skin Cancer
  10. Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer
  11. Be Safe In the Sun
  12. British Skin Foundation
  13. Can You Spot Skin Cancer? [+ Video]
  14. Check Moles During Skin Cancer Awareness Month
  15. Checking Moles for Cancer
  16. Consumer Health: Did You Know That Melanoma Can Begin In the Eye?
  17. Consumer Health: Summer Sun Safety
  18. Consumer Health: The Importance of Sunscreen, Sunglasses and Protective Clothing for Adults and Children
  19. Consumer Health: Treating Skin Cancer
  20. Consumer Health: UV Radiation and Your Skin
  21. Consumer Health: What Do You Know About Melanoma?
  22. Detect Skin Cancer: How To Perform A Skin Self-Exam – How To Check Your Skin for Skin Cancer [+ Video]
  23. Do You Know How To Spot Skin Cancer?
  24. Fake Tan and Melanotan Injections
  25. Getting Diagnosed
  26. Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States]
    Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
  27. Healthy Body: Common Skin Conditions
  28. Healthy Body: Sunscreen and Sun Safety
  29. How Can I Tell If I Have Skin Cancer?
  30. How Do Sunbeds Cause Cancer?
  31. How Does the Sun and UV Cause Skin Cancer?
  32. How Does the Sun and UV Cause Skin Cancer? What Is Sunburn?
  33. How To Do A Skin Self-Exam?
  34. Indoor Tanning: The Risks of Ultraviolet Rays
  35. Infographic: Skin Cancer
  36. Knowing Your Risk for Skin Cancer May Limit Unhealthy Behaviors
  37. May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month [United States]
    Skin Cancer
  38. Mayo Clinic Minute: 3 Types of Skin Cancer [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  39. Mayo Clinic Minute: Importance of Skin Checks for People With Darker Skin [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  40. Mayo Clinic Minute: Learning the ABCDEs of Melanoma [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  41. Mayo Clinic Minute: Treating Skin Cancer With Mohs Surgery [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  42. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Bleeding Moles and Skin Checks
  43. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Catching Skin Cancer Early
  44. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Tanning Beds Raise Risk for Skin Cancer
  45. Mayo Clinic Q and A: The Importance of A Skin Cancer Check
  46. Melanoma
  47. Melanoma
  48. Melanoma Skin Cancer
  49. Melanoma Skin Cancer
  50. Melanoma Skin Cancer [Topics]
  51. Melanoma Skin Cancer: Symptoms
  52. Merkel Cell Skin Cancer
  53. Moles: Mole Self-Assessment
  54. National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention [United States]
  55. Prevent Skin Cancer
  56. Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
  57. Skin Cancer
  58. Skin Cancer
  59. Skin Cancer
  60. Skin Cancer
  61. Skin Cancer
  62. Skin Cancer
  63. Skin Cancer
  64. Skin Cancer (Melanoma)
  65. Skin Cancer (Melanoma) – ABCDE of Moles [Slide Show]
  66. Skin Cancer (Non-Melanoma)
  67. Skin Cancer 101
  68. Skin Cancer 101: What Is Skin Cancer? [+ Images]
  69. Skin Cancer Awareness
  70. Skin Cancer Awareness: Spot Skin Cancer
  71. Skin Cancer Diagnosis
  72. Skin Cancer Diagnosis Highlights Importance of Annual Checks
  73. Skin Cancer Prevention
  74. Skin Cancer Prevention (PDQ)–Patient Version
  75. Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
  76. Skin Cancer Screening (PDQ)–Patient Version
  77. Skin Cancer Treatment (PDQ)–Patient Version
  78. Skin Cancer Videos
  79. Skin Cancer: Everyone’s At Risk
  80. Skin Cancer: What Is Skin Cancer?
  81. Skin Care and Aging: Skin Cancer
  82. Sun Exposure [Sunburn]
  83. Sun, UV and Cancer
  84. Sunburn Treatment: What Works?
  85. Tanning Products
  86. The Risks of Tanning
  87. Types of Skin Cancer
  88. UV Radiation
  89. Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation
  90. Video: Skin Cancer – How Skin Cancer Develops
  91. Vitamin D and Sun Safety
  92. Vulvar Cancer
    Vular Cancer
  93. What Are the Risk Factors for Skin Cancer?
  94. What Are the Symptoms of Skin Cancer?
  95. What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk of Skin Cancer?
  96. What Does A Mole Look Like? [+ Photos of Moles]
  97. What Does Melanoma Look Like? [+ Photos of Melanomas]
  98. What To Look for: ABCDEs of Melanoma
  99. What You Need To Know About Skin Cancer
  100. Why Do I Get White Spots on My Skin From the Sun?

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Skin Care and Aging: Skin Cancer. Content Reviewed: 01 October 2017. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and-aging Accessed: 19 December 2022
  2. Skin Cancer Prevention (PDQ)–Patient Version: General Information About Skin Cancer – Key Points. Updated: 18 October 2021. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/skin-prevention-pdq#section/_4 Accessed: 19 December 2022
  3. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: Melanoma. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/expand/M Accessed: 19 December 2022
  4. About Melanoma Skin Cancer: Key Statistics for Melanoma Skin Cancer – How Common Is Melanoma? Last Revised: 12 January 2022. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/melanoma-skin-cancer/about/key-statistics.html Accessed: 19 December 2022
  5. Melanoma Skin Cancer: What Is Melanoma? How Common Is It? Last Reviewed: 21 May 2020. Cancer Research UK https://about-cancer.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/melanoma/about Accessed: 19 December 2022
  6. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: Basal Cell Carcinoma. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/expand/B Accessed: 19 December 2022
  7. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/expand/S Accessed: 19 December 2022
  8. About Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer: Key Statistics for Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers. Last Revised: 12 January 2022. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/about/key-statistics.html Accessed: 19 December 2022
  9. Skin Cancer: What Is Skin Cancer? – How Common Is It? Last Reviewed: 16 December 2022. Cancer Research UK https://about-cancer.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/skin-cancer/about-skin-cancer Accessed: 19 December 2022
  10. How Does the Sun and UV Cause Cancer? How Can UV Cause Skin Cancer? Last Reviewed: 04 June 2021. Cancer Research UK https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/sun-uv-and-cancer/how-the-sun-and-uv-cause-cancer Accessed: 19 December 2022
  11. Skin Care and Aging: Skin Cancer. Content Reviewed: 01 October 2017. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and-aging Accessed: 19 December 2022
  12. Skin Cancer: Skin Cancer Symptoms. Cancer Council Australia https://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/skin-cancer.html Accessed: 19 December 2022
  13. Detect Skin Cancer. American Academy of Dermatology https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/learn-about-skin-cancer/detect Accessed: 19 December 2022
  14. Skin Care and Aging: Skin Cancer. Content Reviewed: 01 October 2017. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and-aging Accessed: 19 December 2022
Topic Last Updated: 06 January 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 19 December 2022

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