PROTECT THE SKIN YOU’RE IN SKIN CANCER IS THE MOST COMMON FORM OF CANCER IN THE UNITED STATES
May is National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Awareness Month. As summer approaches, the Greenwich Department of Health reminds residents about the dangers of skin cancer and the need to protect their skin while enjoying outdoor activities.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Each year, 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed, more than the number of new cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon combined. One in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime, and one American dies from skin cancer every hour. Connecticut is among the states with the highest incidence rates of melanoma in the country.
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. While melanoma accounts for about 3% of skin cancer cases, it causes more than 75% of skin cancer deaths. UV exposure and sunburns, particularly during childhood, are the biggest risk factors for the disease. Melanoma rates have more than doubled between 1982 and 2011. Melanoma is now the second most common cancer among adolescents and young adults ages 15 to 29.
Non-melanoma skin cancers, specifically basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, are less deadly than melanomas. However, if left untreated, non-melanoma skin cancers can cause disfigurement and functional damage. Some squamous cell carcinomas spread and can be fatal. The key to dealing with all three of these skin cancers is early recognition and early treatment.
“Performing regular self-skin care exams is the most important step people can take to detect skin cancer early,” said Caroline Calderone Baisley, Director of the Greenwich Health Department. “It is useful to have a second person check hard-to-see areas such as the scalp, the back of the neck, behind the ears, and the back.”
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