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 in the United States. 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 people, 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 Does 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 grow 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:

“

  • 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. American Academy of Dermatology
  4. Back To Basics: Understanding the World’s Most Common Cancer
  5. Basal Cell Skin Cancer
  6. Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer
  7. Be Safe In the Sun
  8. Be Sun Savvy, Protect Yourself From Skin Cancer
  9. Check Moles During Skin Cancer Awareness Month
  10. Find Skin Cancer: How To Perform A Skin Self-Exam [+ Video]
  11. Getting Diagnosed
  12. How Can I Tell If I Have Skin Cancer?
  13. How Do Sunbeds Cause Cancer?
  14. How Does the Sun and UV Cause Skin Cancer?
  15. How To Do A Skin Self-Exam
  16. How To Prevent Skin Cancer
  17. Infographic: Skin Cancer
  18. Is Sunscreen Bad for You?
  19. Knowing Your Risk for Skin Cancer May Limit Unhealthy Behaviors
  20. May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month [United States]
  21. May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month [United States]
    Skin Cancer
  22. Mayo Clinic Minute: 3 Types of Skin Cancer [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  23. Mayo Clinic Minute: Common Types of Skin Cancer
  24. Mayo Clinic Minute: Learning the ABCDEs of Melanoma [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  25. Mayo Clinic Minute: Melanoma Misconception — Dark Skin Tones At Risk, Too [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  26. Mayo Clinic Minute: Sunscreen Has A Shelf Life and Other Facts To Know [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  27. Mayo Clinic Minute: Treating Skin Cancer With Mohs Surgery [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  28. Mayo Clinic Minute: Who Should Be Screened for Skin Cancer? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  29. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Bleeding Moles and Skin Checks
  30. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Screening for Skin Cancer: Who Is At Risk?
  31. Melanoma
  32. Melanoma Skin Cancer
  33. Melanoma Skin Cancer
  34. Melanoma Skin Cancer [Topics]
  35. Melanoma Skin Cancer: Symptoms
  36. Merkel Cell Skin Cancer
  37. Moles: Mole Self-Assessment
  38. National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention [United States]
  39. Protect Your Skin During Heat Waves — Here’s How
  40. Removing Skin Cancer With Mohs Surgery
  41. Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
  42. Science In 5: Episode #111 – Sun and Skin Cancer
  43. Skin Cancer
  44. Skin Cancer
  45. Skin Cancer
  46. Skin Cancer
  47. Skin Cancer
  48. Skin Cancer
  49. Skin Cancer
  50. Skin Cancer (Melanoma)
  51. Skin Cancer (Melanoma) – ABCDE of Moles [Slide Show]
  52. Skin Cancer (Non-Melanoma)
  53. Skin Cancer 101
  54. Skin Cancer 101: What Is Skin Cancer? [+ Images]
  55. Skin Cancer Diagnosis
  56. Skin Cancer Diagnosis Highlights Importance of Annual Checks
  57. Skin Cancer Prevention
  58. Skin Cancer Prevention (PDQ)–Patient Version
  59. Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
  60. Skin Cancer Screening (PDQ)–Patient Version
  61. Skin Cancer Survivors: How To Stay Safe In the Sunshine
  62. Skin Cancer Treatment (PDQ)–Patient Version
  63. Skin Cancer Videos
  64. Skin Cancer: Everyone’s At Risk
  65. Skin Cancer: Reducing Risk for Skin Cancer
  66. Skin Cancer: Skin Cancer Basics
  67. Skin Cancer: Skin Cancer Risk Factors
  68. Skin Cancer: Sun Safety Facts
  69. Skin Cancer: Symptoms of Skin Cancer
  70. Skin Cancer: What Is Skin Cancer?
  71. Skin Care and Aging: Skin Cancer
  72. Sun Safety Facts
  73. Sun, UV and Cancer
  74. Sunburn Treatment: What Works?
  75. Sunscreen and Sun Safety
  76. Sunscreen: How To Help Protect Your Skin From the Sun
  77. Tanning, Fake Tan and Melanotan
  78. The Difference Between Mineral and Chemical Sunscreens
  79. The Risks of Tanning
  80. Tips To Stay Safe in the Sun: From Sunscreen To Sunglasses
  81. Types of Skin Cancer
  82. UV (Ultraviolet) Radiation and Cancer Risk
  83. Ultraviolet Radiation
  84. Video: Skin Cancer – How Skin Cancer Develops
  85. Vitamin D and Sun Safety
  86. Vulvar 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?
  92. Why Experts Say To Avoid Beer Tanning

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: 31 October 2023. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/about/key-statistics.html Accessed: 01 May 2024
  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: 01 May 2024
  3. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: Melanoma. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/expand/M Accessed: 01 May 2024
  4. About Melanoma Skin Cancer: Key Statistics for Melanoma Skin Cancer – How Common Is Melanoma? Last Revised: 31 October 2023. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/melanoma-skin-cancer/about/key-statistics.html Accessed: 01 May 2024
  5. Melanoma Skin Cancer: What Is Melanoma Skin Cancer? How Common Is Melanoma Skin Cancer? Last Reviewed: 02 February 2024. Cancer Research UK https://about-cancer.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/melanoma/about Accessed: 01 May 2024
  6. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: Basal Cell Carcinoma. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/expand/B Accessed: 01 May 2024
  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: 01 May 2024
  8. About Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer: Key Statistics for Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers. Last Revised: 31 October 2023. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/about/key-statistics.html Accessed: 01 May 2024
  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: 01 May 2024
  10. How Does the Sun and UV Cause Cancer? How Does UV Cause Skin Cancer? Last Reviewed: 30 November 2023. Cancer Research UK https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/sun-uv-and-cancer/how-the-sun-and-uv-cause-cancer Accessed: 01 May 2024
  11. Skin Cancer: Skin Cancer Signs and Symptoms. Cancer Council Australia https://cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/skin-cancer Accessed: 11 August 2024
  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: 01 May 2024
  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: 01 May 2024
Topic Last Updated: 25 August 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 01 May 2024

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