Skin Cancer Detection

Non-melanoma skin cancer (basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer) is generally curable if detected early. The same is true for melanoma skin cancer, however, melanoma behaves much more aggressively than non-melanoma skin cancer.

Over the last two decades a rise in melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers has been noted. It is believed this phenomenon is due to lifestyle trends since the 1960s and '70s when recreational tanning became popular.

People with a history of excessive sun exposure, many sunburns, a personal history of non-melanoma skin cancer or a family history of melanoma skin cancer in first-degree relatives (parents, children, siblings) should establish a relationship with a dermatologist to get regular skin checks and to learn about the warning signs of skin cancer. That way if skin cancer develops, it can be detected early.