Five Surprising Facts About Skin Cancer | Denton Regional

Five Surprising Facts About Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is dangerous. Be sure to watch your skin for any changes.

Many people spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in the summer. Lounging by the pool or hitting the beach are both fun ways to spend your free time, but it?s important to take skin care precautions like wearing sunglasses and applying sunscreen regularly. You should also take a moment to read these surprising facts about skin cancer:

1. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Skin cancer accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States.
2. It is estimated that there may be over 75,000 cases of Melanoma in 2012. There are several different types of skin cancer, but melanoma?a cancer that begins in the melanocytes, the cells that produce the skin coloring pigment known as melanin?is the most dangerous. Melanoma accounts for almost 9,000 of the nearly 12,000 skin cancer deaths each year.
3. Tanning beds are just as dangerous as the sun?s UV rays. Many people head to tanning salons rather than the beach or pool because they assume indoor tanning is a safe alternative. Unfortunately, artificial sources of UV radiation are just as bad for your skin. In fact, tanning booths are blamed for an alarming increase in skin cancer rates nationwide.
4. Any change on your skin, even a new mole or growth that has no color, can be a sign of skin cancer. If you notice any changes in your skin, show them to your doctor. New moles, even those that are colorless, are often a symptom of skin cancer.
5. Skin cancer is almost 100% curable if found and treated early. Skin cancer patients? survival rates are best when the cancer is found and treated early. Always report any skin abnormalities to your doctor.

Read more about melanoma and other types of skin cancer in our Health Information library. Learn more about Denton Regional Medical Center and the services we offer here. For a physician referral, please call 1-855-477-DRMC.

Related Post:
Skin Cancer Prevention

Tags: Denton hospitals, Denton Regional Medical Center, melanoma, skin cancer, skin cancer facts, skin cancer prevention

Source: http://blog.dentonregional.com/2012/07/23/five-surprising-facts-about-skin-cancer/

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