Ask a Doctor
What you should know about skin cancer

from Better Health magazine, Summer, 2005

Stewart A. Sharp, MD, of the Cancer Center of the Piedmont, tells you what you should know about skin cancer - and gives helpful tips on how you can reduce the risk.

What is the number one thing people can do to minimize their risk of skin cancer?

Sun exposure is the leading concern. If you're out in the sun for any length of time,l you should definitely wear sunscreen. Put it one any exposed areas, and don't forget your face, ears and arms. Everyone should use a sunscreen with at least SPF 20; those with light complexiouns have greater risk and should use at least SPF 35-40.

Is all skin cancer the same?

No, there are three primary forms of skin cancer: basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma. Basal cell is the most common, affecting about 800,000 Americans each year. These form at the bottom of the epidermis, the outer skin layer. About 200,000 Americans have squamous cell carcinomas each year, and these tend to form on parts of the body most exposed to the sun. Melanoma is the most dangerous of the three because it can spread rapidly to other parts of the body.

How do people detect the presence of skin cancer?

Get to know your body. If you have an open sore the bleeds or oozes and won't heal, get it checked out at once. Also look for crusty red patches, discoloring, scars where there has been no injury, and shiny raised pink or red bumps. See your physician if you find any of these indicators.

Is skin cancer treatable?

Definitely. All forms of skin cancer, even melanoma, can be removed with very little danger if they're caught quickly. So if you suspect anything, don't put it off!