Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. If left unchecked, these cancer cells can spread from the skin into other tissues and organs. Skin cancer can occur anywhere on the skin, but the neck and face are common sites. Melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, can be found in or under your skin, hair and nails. Melanomas are also commonly found on the chest and back in men and the legs in women.

Skin cancer is by far the most common form of cancer in the U.S., and it is a growing health issue. Each year, more than 2 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer — more than the combined incidence of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers.

Skin cancer risk factors include:

• Personal or family history of skin cancer
• Frequent or intense exposure to sunlight
• Use of UV lamps or tanning booths
• History of severe, blistering sunburns
• Having fair skin that sunburns easily
• Use of certain antibiotics, hormones or antidepressants

It is important to be aware of any skin cancer risk factors you may have and modify or eliminate them when possible. Keep in mind that having one or more risk factors does not mean that you will definitely get skin cancer, and having no risk factors does not mean that you cannot develop it.

Yes, skin cancer can be curable, depending on the type and how soon you receive treatment. Early diagnosis can improve your treatment options and outcomes. Most skin cancers can be cured if treated before they spread.

Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are highly curable. Melanoma is the most serious. Like basal cell and squamous cell cancers, melanoma is almost always curable when diagnosed in its early stages. 

Melanoma is much more likely than other skin cancer types to spread aggressively to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early.

Any type of skin cancer can recur (come back), depending on the type, stage and how thoroughly it was removed.

Survival rates vary, depending on your overall health, age and response to treatment. According to the National Cancer Institute, the five-year relative survival rate of skin cancer (percentage of people alive five years after diagnosis) is 94%. 

Taking some simple measures can dramatically reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. Examine your skin head to toe every month. See a dermatologist once a year for a professional skin exam.

Sun exposure is one of the primary risk factors for developing skin cancer. Fortunately, wearing sunscreen can help protect your skin and reduce the risk. Apply a UVA/UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day, even if you’re indoors.

For extended outdoor activities, apply a water-resistant UVA/UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.

Limit your sun exposure and stay in the shade whenever possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Cover up with long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.

Avoid using sunlamps and tanning booths (or tanning beds), which are proven to increase skin cancer risk and prematurely age skin.

Keep newborns out of the sun. Use sunscreen on babies over six months.

See a dermatologist once a year for a complete skin checkup if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer. The checkup usually takes around 15 minutes. It includes a medical history review and a head-to-toe examination of your skin.

Make sure to call your doctor’s attention to any irregular spots you may have noticed in your last monthly self-exam.