Skin Cancer is the most common form of all the cancers. It is estimated that over a million new cases occur every year, with one in five of all Americans developing leukemia of the skin tissues, and 50% of those living to age 65 will develop skin leukemia at least once in their lifetimes. Annually, the total cost for treating the two most common types of cancer-basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (referred to as the non-melanoma skin cancer), was over a billion dollars in 2006.

Typical warning sign of cancer of skin tissues is a change; any change in skin appearance, particularly such as a growth you never noticed before or a sore that does not seem to want to heal.  Melanoma is the more serious of the three types as it has a tendency to spread (metastasize) rapidly throughout the body.

Basal cell carcinomas are the most common types seen. They are rarely fatal, but because they stay put (do not spread) they can cause damage by invading the tissue surrounding them-even causing disfigurement. This form accounts for approximately 90% of skin cancers.

Though there are many factors that cause Skin Cancer, it seems to affect light-colored skin, those who have had bad sunburns early in life and older people most generally. Basal cell carcinoma most often begins as small, dome-type bumps, but can appear more like patches of raw, dry skin.

Squamous cell carcinoma appears 25% as often as basal cell carcinoma, with men affected more often than women. Sun exposure is the single most important factor in producing this form of skin cancer. It can spread to other parts of the body and its tumors usually begin as small, firm, red or skin-colored knobs. One of the prominent locations particularly prone to the metastasis of this cancer is the lower lip.  It is, therefore, important to seek a proper diagnosis.

For diagnosis and cancer treatment, your doctor will take a biopsy to help him determine how to proceed.  This may include surgery, radiation therapy (using X rays to kill or shrink the cancers), or chemotherapy -where medication is placed directly on the cancerous skin.

Common-sense prevention is the same for all.  Use caution in the sun, wear a broad-brimmed hat and avoid the hours around noon-they are the most dangerous.  Also, regularly use a waterproof or resistant sunscreen with SPF 30/UVA protection.

If your doctor has recommended getting vitamin D from the sun, it is suggested that 15 minutes several times a week may be sufficient. To avoid skin diseases like Skin Cancer circumvent the use of tanning beds, as they are as harsh as the sun.  Visit your doctor for regular check ups.