More Sun Exposure, More Skin Cancer

It should come as no big surprise that the more time we spend outdoors, the more likely we are to get skin cancer. And statistics show that more of us here in northwestern South Carolina are spending more time involved in outdoor activities  – sports, hiking, camping, cycling, fishing and hunting than ever. As a result, skin cancer cases are on the rise. You probably know someone who has had skin cancer treated and/or removed. You should know that:

• Skin cancer is increasing due to more outdoor sun exposure
• Skin cancer on the face is particularly concerning to people
• Most people prefer having a specialist treat/remove their facial skin cancers

There are three main types of skin cancer

• Basal cell carcinoma – The most common type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma first appears as a small pink lump or patch. Although most common on sun-exposed areas such as the face and arms, it can also develop in non-sun-exposed areas. People with light-coloured skin and blue eyes are more prone to this cancer. Many different treatment options are available. It rarely spreads to other parts of the body and has a very high cure rate.

• Melanoma – More common in younger patients, melanoma is the most serious form of the three main types of skin cancer and can spread throughout the body. Luckily, if detected early, treatment is successful more than 99% of the time. It can arise in people with fair skin and a history of sunburn, or those people with many moles or freckles. Melanoma is responsible for more than 90% of all skin cancer deaths.

• Squamous cell carcinoma – Similar to basal cell carcinoma, this form of skin cancer is found predominantly on sun-exposed light-skinned individuals. Squamous cell carcinoma appears as a pink-red lump or patch but is usually quite scaly. Although it has a slightly higher tendency to spread, it is still generally easily treated if detected early.

To learn more about skin cancer, call Anderson ENT & Facial Plastics at 864.226.2822. You can also use our online Request an Appointment form to schedule your consultation with Dr. Dole P. Baker.