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Overexposure to the sun is the main culprit in the rise of skin cancer, which in the U.S. is the most common type of cancer.

The three major types of skin cancer are:

• basal cell carcinoma,
• squamous cell carcinoma,
• and melanoma.

Of the three types, melanoma is the most serious, and if left untreated can affect deep layers of the skin and eventually spread to other parts of the body.

In contrast, basal cell and squamous carcinoma are relatively slower growing and more easily treatable if found early.

Basal cell carcinoma accounts for about 90% of skin cancer cases, and usually appears as a lesion on the chest or back, or as a shiny bump on the face, ears or neck.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer and is somewhat more likely to spread if not deteced early. This type can either appear as a bright red bump, or as a flat lesion on the face, neck, hands or arms.

Treatment options vary depending on the type and stage of the disease when diagnosed, the location on the body, and the patient's overall health. Generally, all that is needed in early stage skin cancer is a simple excision, or cutting away of the lesion which is then watched regularly and examined for likely recurrence.

More aggressive techniques in the later stages may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, cryosurgery, laser surgery, or Mohs micrographic surgery, in which individual layers of skin are removed until no cancer cells are evident.

Most non-melanoma skin cancer patients are age 50 or older, but a growing number of younger people are also being diagnosed with the disease. As a result, the alarm has been raised within the medical community for more & better education on the harmful effects of too much sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can be easily avoided with protective clothing or headgear, and the use of maximum SPF sunscreen lotions.

also see -> Good advice for runners - use sun screen

More about skin cancer around the Web:

On the Web, find out more about skin cancer at top sites offering expert advice on risk factors, tips & advice on skin cancer prevention, along with more details on treatment options, the latest research news and online patient support ...

Introduction to Skin Cancer - Good, basic information on causes, risk factors, types of skin cancer & treatment options, advice on precautions to take to decrease risk, related link to UV forecasts in 30 major U.S. cities, glossary, resources.

The Skin Cancer Foundation - Information on melanomas, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, AK's and related precancers, prevention advice & skin nutrition tips.

What Is Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer? - Illustrated fact sheet from the American Cancer Society with descriptions and comparisons to melanoma, information on common nonmelanoma skin cancers including basal cell & squamous cell carcinomas, and Kaposi sarcoma, plus more on benign tumors and precancerous skin conditions.

When to See a Dermatologist - What to watch for and more information on how to tell if a lesion is skin cancer, a description of risk factors, and instructions for a skin cancer self-exam.

What You Need to Know About Skin Cancer - Extensive guide from the National Cancer Institute with facts, information, tips & advice on risk factors, symptoms & causes, treatment options, follow-up care, 800 support hotline, skin self-exam tutorial.

Skin Cancer News - The latest headlines on recent studies, emerging therapies, and related skin cancer news from MedLine Plus.

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.