Skin cancer, th
e most common cancer in the United States, begins in the outer layer of skin (the epidermis). Among the possible symptoms are sores that do not heal and areas on the skin that are similar to a scar and firm to the touch. Risk factors for this type of cancer include exposure to radiation, havi
ng a fair complexion, and prolonged exposure to natural or artificial sunlight.The best way to prevent this disease is to protect yourself from the sun and other sources of UV radiation. Sunscreen, especially broad-spectrum sunscreen (to filter UVB and UVA rays) with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, may help prevent skin cancer. However, it is still important to avoid the sun and wear clothing to protect your skin. Although some types of this cancer are curable, people who have had the disease previously have a greater chance of developing another skin cancer.
(Click Skin Cancer for more information on the causes and symptoms, as well as the risk factors that increase your chances of developing this disease. You can also click on any of the links in the box to the right for more specific information.)