More than 2 million cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed each year in the United States alone. There are 3 major types of skin cancer: (1) Basal Cell Carcinoma, (2) Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and (3) Melanoma. Each of these skin cancers look different to the human eye and even the same type of skin cancer can look different from person to person, making it hard for you to self-diagnose. Skin cancers can arise out of what was normal looking skin or it can arise out of moles.
The best way to tell if you have skin cancer is to see your dermatologist. If you see any skin spot changing, bleeding, growing or itching for longer than 2 weeks, your dermatologist should evaluate it to make sure it isn’t a skin cancer. If it is caught early and removed, skin cancer has a high cure rate.*
Research shows that indoor tanning can increase your risk of melanoma by 75%, but cumulative sun exposure (UV) can lead to all 3 types of skin cancer: (1) Basal Cell Carcinoma, (2) Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and (3) Melanoma.
*Disclaimer, results may vary from person to person.