SKIN CANCER FACTS
The most common type of cancer affecting over a million people per year.  There are THREE main types:

Basal cell carcinoma, the most common, is also the least likely to spread into the body, i.e. metastasize. Estimates range from at least 700,000 to 800,000 new cases per year.

Squamous cell carcinoma, about 200,000 per year. Squamous cell carcinoma can metastasize and kills over 1000 persons a year. 

Malignant melanoma, over 50,000 people affected this year. Malignant melanoma is the most deadly and will kill about 8000 people in the United States this year. 

1 person dies every hour of the day from skin cancer in the United States.

Skin cancer is linked to accumulated sun exposure from your first time outdoors as an infant until you walked into your house or business or got into your car today. Ultraviolet rays from the sun, damage the skin by causing mutation in the DNA contained in the genes of skin cells. If the damage is not repaired, skin cancer can result. It is also becoming increasingly clear that artificial tanning devices may contribute to the formation of skin cancer.

What can be done to prevent skin cancer?
The best defense is not to get a tan from the sun or tanning machines. The skin should be protected when outdoors with hats that shade the face and sunscreens with a protective factor of SPF or blocking agents like zinc oxide. 
Fortunately, if you have skin cancer, it can usually be treated successfully, especially if it is caught early. The most successful treatment especially for non-melanoma skin cancer is Mohs Micrographic surgery.

Click here to learn about Mohs surgery