Basal cell carcinoma accounts for about 80 percent of skin cancers. It usually develops on the head and neck but can occur anywhere on the skin. Its main cause is sun exposure. It also develops in people who received radiation therapy as children. It rarely spreads to other parts of the body.
Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for about 20 percent of skin cancers. Its main cause is sun exposure, and it can occur on many regions of the skin. It can also develop in skin that has been burned, damaged by chemicals, or exposed to X-rays. About 2 to 5 percent of squamous cell carcinomas spread to other parts of the body.
Melanoma, one of the most serious forms of skin cancer, can develop anywhere on the body. Invasive melanoma can grow deep into the skin and can invade lymph nodes and blood vessels. Metastatic melanoma can spread to distant parts of the body.
Other, rare types of skin cancer include Merkel cell cancer, Karposi sarcoma, other sarcomas, cutaneous (skin) lymphoma, and skin adnexal tumors.
Stay Sun Safe
What’s the best way to use sunscreen? Dr. C. Joseph Bennett at RBOI recommends the following:
• Choose sunscreen with 30 SPF or higher. Don’t use any past its expiration date.
• Cover your body with at least an ounce of sunscreen and shake it before use.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours (sooner if you get wet, sweat, or wipe your skin).
• Apply sunscreen even on cloudy days.
• Choose lip balm with sunscreen and use it year-round.
Dr. Bennett also recommends staying out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wearing protective clothing and hats that cover your ears and neck.
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