The most commonly diagnosed cancer is skin cancer, most of which are known as non-melanoma skin cancer. The most common types of non-melanoma skin cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. The names are taken from the top two layers of skin from which the cancerous cells begin to form. It is estimated that there are 800,000 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed each year in the United States. The numbers are growing by 3.4% each year. Most of these cancers occur on skin exposed to the sun, and can be a variety of colors and shapes. Less commonly, they can be located in areas typically covered by clothing. Many of them do not cause pain or itching, and are sometimes mistaken for a scar or rash. Some of them will form an open sore, bleed or raise up from surrounding normal skin.

Basal cell cancers are the most common of all, and usually do not spread to other parts of the body, but can become very destructive especially if left untreated. Squamous cell skin cancers sometimes can spread to other body sites and may even be life threatening. Both types of cancers are highly treatable and curable if detected early, and in most instances require some form of surgery, although radiation and chemotherapy are sometimes used. A careful examination of all of your skin, on a monthly basis, and periodic checks by a trained health care provider, are often helpful in leading to early detection. The melanoma form of skin cancer can be found elsewhere on this website.

Skin Cancer: Today's Epidemic

What you need to know about skin cancer