Early detection and treatment are key in fighting skin cancer

SKIN CANCER

What is Skin Cancer?

— Skin cancer is the out-of-control growth of abnormal cells in the epidermis, the outermost skin layer, caused by un-repaired DNA damage that triggers mutations. These mutations lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors.

What Causes Skin Cancer?

— The two main causes of skin cancer are the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and the use of UV tanning beds. The good news is that if skin cancer is caught early, your dermatologist can treat it with little or no scarring and high odds of eliminating it entirely.

Skin cancer is a prevalent concern affecting individuals globally, and Idaho Skin Center stands at the forefront of diagnosing and treating this disease. by offering personalized treatment plans, Idaho Skin Center strives to create a safe environment where individuals can receive the necessary care to combat skin cancer.

3 Main Types of Skin Cancer

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma

What is it? Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are abnormal, uncontrolled growths that arise from the skin’s basal cells in the outermost layer of skin (epidermis).

Where is it usually found? These cancers most often develop on skin areas typically exposed to the sun, especially the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders and back.

EXAMPLE IMAGES ↓

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma

What is it? Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells arising from the squamous cells in the outmost layer of skin (epidermis).

Where is it usually found? SCCs are common on sun-exposed areas such as the ears, face, scalp, neck and hands, where the skin often reveals signs of sun damage, including wrinkles and age spots.

EXAMPLE IMAGES ↓

3. Melanoma

What is it? Melanoma is a cancer that develops from melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin pigment, which gives skin its color.

Where is it usually found? Melanomas often resemble moles and sometimes may arise from them. They can appear on any area of the body, even in areas that are not typically exposed to the sun.

EXAMPLE IMAGES ↓

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10 Skin Cancer Prevention Tips:

Apply sunscreen daily: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher, and apply it generously to all exposed skin. Reapply every two hours or more frequently if sweating or swimming.
Seek shade: Limit your sun exposure, especially during the peak hours between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun's rays are strongest. If possible, stay in the shade or create your shade using hats, umbrellas, or canopies.
Wear protective clothing: Cover your skin with loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses whenever you are out in the sun. Look for clothing with built-in UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) for added protection.
Avoid tanning beds: Stay away from artificial sources of UV radiation, such as tanning beds or sunlamps. These increase your risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, the most dangerous type.
Perform regular self-examinations: Become familiar with your skin and check it regularly for any new or changing moles, freckles, or spots. If you notice anything unusual, such as asymmetry, irregular borders, or changes in color or size, consult a dermatologist promptly.
Get professional skin evaluations: Schedule regular skin evaluations with a dermatologist to monitor your skin's health, especially if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, or if you have fair skin, numerous moles, or a history of sunburns.
Take extra precautions for children: Protect children's skin from an early age by keeping them in the shade, using sunscreen with a high SPF, and dressing them in sun-protective clothing.
Be mindful of medications and photosensitivity: Some medications and certain medical conditions can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Check with your healthcare provider if you're unsure about any potential photosensitivity risks and take necessary precautions.
Stay hydrated: Maintaining good hydration can help keep your skin healthy and more resilient to sun damage. Drink plenty of fluids, especially on hot days or when engaging in outdoor activities.
Educate yourself about skin cancer: Learn about the risk factors, types, and warning signs of skin cancer. Stay informed about the latest research and guidelines, as knowledge is a powerful tool in preventing

Early detection and treatment are key in fighting skin cancer

SKIN CANCER

What is Skin Cancer?

What Causes Skin Cancer?

3 Main Types of Skin Cancer

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma

What is it? Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are abnormal, uncontrolled growths that arise from the skin’s basal cells in the outermost layer of skin (epidermis).

Where is it usually found? These cancers most often develop on skin areas typically exposed to the sun, especially the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders and back.

EXAMPLE IMAGES ↓

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma

What is it? Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells arising from the squamous cells in the outmost layer of skin (epidermis).

Where is it usually found? SCCs are common on sun-exposed areas such as the ears, face, scalp, neck and hands, where the skin often reveals signs of sun damage, including wrinkles and age spots.

EXAMPLE IMAGES ↓

3. Melanoma

What is it? Melanoma is a cancer that develops from melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin pigment, which gives skin its color.

Where is it usually found? Melanomas often resemble moles and sometimes may arise from them. They can appear on any area of the body, even in areas that are not typically exposed to the sun.

EXAMPLE IMAGES ↓

10 Skin Cancer Prevention Tips:

Apply sunscreen daily: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher, and apply it generously to all exposed skin. Reapply every two hours or more frequently if sweating or swimming.

Seek shade: Limit your sun exposure, especially during the peak hours between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun's rays are strongest. If possible, stay in the shade or create your shade using hats, umbrellas, or canopies.

Wear protective clothing: Cover your skin with loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses whenever you are out in the sun. Look for clothing with built-in UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) for added protection.

Avoid tanning beds: Stay away from artificial sources of UV radiation, such as tanning beds or sunlamps. These increase your risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, the most dangerous type.

Perform regular self-examinations: Become familiar with your skin and check it regularly for any new or changing moles, freckles, or spots. If you notice anything unusual, such as asymmetry, irregular borders, or changes in color or size, consult a dermatologist promptly.

Get professional skin evaluations: Schedule regular skin evaluations with a dermatologist to monitor your skin's health, especially if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, or if you have fair skin, numerous moles, or a history of sunburns.

Take extra precautions for children: Protect children's skin from an early age by keeping them in the shade, using sunscreen with a high SPF, and dressing them in sun-protective clothing.

Be mindful of medications and photosensitivity: Some medications and certain medical conditions can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Check with your healthcare provider if you're unsure about any potential photosensitivity risks and take necessary precautions.

Stay hydrated: Maintaining good hydration can help keep your skin healthy and more resilient to sun damage. Drink plenty of fluids, especially on hot days or when engaging in outdoor activities.

Educate yourself about skin cancer: Learn about the risk factors, types, and warning signs of skin cancer. Stay informed about the latest research and guidelines, as knowledge is a powerful tool in preventing