Skin Cancer

“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”.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 2023 are:

  • About 97,610 new melanomas will be diagnosed (about 58,120 in men and 39,490 in women)”.4

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

“Around 16,700 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?

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

“Become familiar with the look of your skin, particularly spots and moles, 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”.11

In Find Skin Cancer: How To Perform A Skin Self-Exam. the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) 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”.12

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.

In Find Skin Cancer: How To Perform A Skin Self-Exam the AAD also note:

“If you notice a spot that is different from others, or that changes, itches or bleeds, you should make an appointment to see a dermatologist”.13

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z 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 Skin Cancer
  4. American Academy of Dermatology
  5. Are Sunbeds Safe?
  6. Basal Cell Skin Cancer
  7. Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer
  8. Be Safe In the Sun
  9. British Skin Foundation
  10. Check Moles During Skin Cancer Awareness Month
  11. Checking Moles for Cancer
  12. Consumer Health: Did You Know That Melanoma Can Begin In the Eye?
  13. Consumer Health: Does Expired Sunscreen Still Work?
  14. Consumer Health: Summer Sun Safety
  15. Consumer Health: The Importance of Sunscreen, Sunglasses and Protective Clothing for Adults and Children
  16. Consumer Health: Treating Skin Cancer
  17. Consumer Health: UV Radiation and Your Skin
  18. Consumer Health: What Do You Know About Melanoma?
  19. Fake Tan and Melanotan Injections
  20. Find Skin Cancer: How To Perform A Skin Self-Exam [+ Video]
  21. Getting Diagnosed
  22. Healthy Body: Common Skin Conditions
  23. Healthy Body: Sunscreen and Sun Safety
  24. How Can I Tell If I Have Skin Cancer?
  25. How Do Sunbeds Cause Cancer?
  26. How Does the Sun and UV Cause Skin Cancer?
  27. How To Do A Skin Self-Exam?
  28. How To Prevent Skin Cancer
  29. Infographic: Skin Cancer
  30. Is Sunscreen Bad for You?
  31. Knowing Your Risk for Skin Cancer May Limit Unhealthy Behaviors
  32. May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month [United States]
  33. May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month [United States]
    Skin Cancer
  34. Mayo Clinic Minute: 3 Types of Skin Cancer [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  35. Mayo Clinic Minute: Learning the ABCDEs of Melanoma [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  36. Mayo Clinic Minute: Melanoma Misconception — Dark Skin Tones At Risk, Too [+ Video]
  37. Mayo Clinic Minute: Sunscreen Has A Shelf Life and Other Facts To Know [+ Video]
  38. Mayo Clinic Minute: Treating Skin Cancer With Mohs Surgery [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  39. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Bleeding Moles and Skin Checks
  40. Mayo Clinic Q and A: The Importance of A Skin Cancer Check
  41. Melanoma
  42. Melanoma Skin Cancer
  43. Melanoma Skin Cancer
  44. Melanoma Skin Cancer [Topics]
  45. Melanoma Skin Cancer: Symptoms
  46. Merkel Cell Skin Cancer
  47. Moles: Mole Self-Assessment
  48. National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention [United States]
  49. Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
  50. Skin Cancer
  51. Skin Cancer
  52. Skin Cancer
  53. Skin Cancer
  54. Skin Cancer
  55. Skin Cancer
  56. Skin Cancer (Melanoma)
  57. Skin Cancer (Melanoma) – ABCDE of Moles [Slide Show]
  58. Skin Cancer (Non-Melanoma)
  59. Skin Cancer 101
  60. Skin Cancer 101: What Is Skin Cancer? [+ Images]
  61. Skin Cancer Awareness
  62. Skin Cancer Diagnosis
  63. Skin Cancer Diagnosis Highlights Importance of Annual Checks
  64. Skin Cancer Prevention
  65. Skin Cancer Prevention (PDQ)–Patient Version
  66. Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
  67. Skin Cancer Screening (PDQ)–Patient Version
  68. Skin Cancer Survivors: How To Stay Safe In the Sunshine
  69. Skin Cancer Treatment (PDQ)–Patient Version
  70. Skin Cancer Videos
  71. Skin Cancer: Everyone’s At Risk
  72. Skin Cancer: What Is Skin Cancer?
  73. Skin Care and Aging: Skin Cancer
  74. Sun, UV and Cancer
  75. Sunburn Treatment: What Works?
  76. Sunscreen: How To Help Protect Your Skin From the Sun
  77. The Risks of Tanning
  78. Types of Skin Cancer
  79. UV Radiation
  80. Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation
  81. Video: Skin Cancer – How Skin Cancer Develops
  82. Vitamin D and Sun Safety
  83. Vulvar Cancer
  84. What Are the Risk Factors for Skin Cancer?
  85. What Are the Symptoms of Skin Cancer?
  86. What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk of Skin Cancer?
  87. What Does A Mole Look Like? [+ Photos of Moles]
  88. What Does Melanoma Look Like? [+ Photos of Melanomas]
  89. What To Look for: ABCDEs of Melanoma
  90. What You Need To Know About Skin Cancer
  91. 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. About Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer: Key Statistics for Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers. Last Revised: 12 January 2023. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/about/key-statistics.html Accessed: 30 October 2023
  2. Skin Cancer Prevention (PDQ)–Patient Version: General Information About Skin Cancer – Key Points. Updated: 23 October 2023. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/skin-prevention-pdq#section/_4 Accessed: 30 October 2023
  3. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: Melanoma. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/expand/M Accessed: 30 October 2023
  4. About Melanoma Skin Cancer: Key Statistics for Melanoma Skin Cancer – How Common Is Melanoma? Last Revised: 12 January 2023. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/melanoma-skin-cancer/about/key-statistics.html Accessed: 30 October 2023
  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: 30 October 2023
  6. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: Basal Cell Carcinoma. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/expand/B Accessed: 30 October 2023
  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: 30 October 2023
  8. About Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer: Key Statistics for Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers. Last Revised: 12 January 2023. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/about/key-statistics.html Accessed: 30 October 2023
  9. Skin Cancer: What Is Skin Cancer? – How Common Is Skin Cancer? Last Reviewed: 16 December 2022. Cancer Research UK https://about-cancer.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/skin-cancer/about-skin-cancer Accessed: 30 October 2023
  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: 30 October 2023
  11. Skin Cancer: Skin Cancer Signs and Symptoms. Cancer Council Australia https://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/skin-cancer.html Accessed: 30 October 2023
  12. Find Skin Cancer: How To Perform A Skin Self-Exam. Last Updated: 15 May 2023. American Academy of Dermatology https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/learn-about-skin-cancer/detect Accessed: 30 October 2023
  13. Find Skin Cancer: How To Perform A Skin Self-Exam. Last Updated: 15 May 2023. American Academy of Dermatology https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/learn-about-skin-cancer/detect Accessed: 30 October 2023
Topic Last Updated: 30 October 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 30 October 2023

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