What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The two most common types are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. They usually form on the head, face, neck, hands and arms. Another type of skin cancer, melanoma, is more dangerous but less common. Anyone can get skin cancer, but it is more common in people who:

• Spend a lot of time in the sun or have been sunburned
• Have light-colored skin, hair and eyes
• Have a family member with skin cancer
• Are over age 50

You should have your doctor check any suspicious skin markings and any changes in the way your skin looks. Treatment is more likely to work well when cancer is found early. If not treated, some types of skin cancer cells can spread to other tissues and organs. Read more...

What is a precancer?
A number of abnormal but relatively harmless skin growths may be precursors of skin cancer. These may be precancerous lesions, benign tumors that mask or mimic more serious ones or malignant tumors that are at the moment just on the topmost layer of the skin. They are important to recognize, because they are a warning sign of potential skin cancer. Read more...

What is melanoma skin cancer?
Most skin cancers are classified as non-melanoma, usually starting in either basal cells or squamous cells. These cells are located at the base of the outer layer of the skin or cover the internal and external surfaces of the body. Melanoma is almost always curable when it is detected in its early stages. Although melanoma accounts for only a small percentage of skin cancer, it is far more dangerous than other skin cancers and causes most skin cancer deaths.

What is nonmelanoma (basal or squamous cell) skin cancer?
Most skin cancers are classified as nonmelanoma, usually occurring in either basal cells or squamous cells. These cells are located at the base of the outer layer of the skin or cover the internal and external surfaces of the body. Most non-melanoma skin cancers develop on sun-exposed areas of the body, like the face, ear, neck, lips, and the backs of the hands. Depending on the type, they can be fast or slow growing, but they rarely spread to other parts of the body. Read more...

Sun Protection
Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays appears to be the most important environmental factor involved with developing skin cancer. During the summer months, UV radiation tends to be greater. To help prevent skin cancer while still having fun outdoors, regularly use sun protective practices such as Seek shade, especially during midday hours (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.), when UV rays are strongest and do the most damage.

• Cover up with clothing to protect exposed skin.
• Get a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck.
• Grab shades that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
• Rub on sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection.

Indoor Tanning
The United States Department of Health & Human Services has declared ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds and sun lamps, as a known carcinogen (cancer-causing substance). Indoor tanning equipment, which includes all artificial light sources, including beds, lamps, bulbs, booths, etc., emits UVA and UVB radiation. The amount of the radiation produced during indoor tanning is similar to the sun and in some cases may be stronger. Read more...

Educational Opportunity / Monthly Cancer Support and Advocacy Information Fair
Thursday, May 15 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Galter Pavilion, 21st floor, 675 N. St. Clair, Chicago
May's featured topic: Survivorship / Skin Cancer & Melanoma-no charge / refreshments provided

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