Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, affecting millions of people around the world every year. The good news is that when detected early, skin cancer is often curable.

But to do that, it’s essential to understand the different types of skin cancer, their causes, and risks. In this article, we’ll discuss the three main types of skin cancer, what causes them, and what you can do to reduce your risk.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for around 80% of all skin cancer cases. This type of cancer develops in the basal cells, which are located in the deepest layer of the epidermis.

Basal cell carcinoma usually appears as a small, shiny bump or a red, scaly patch. It most commonly occurs in areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, scalp, neck, and ears.

The main cause of basal cell carcinoma is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.

People with fair skin, light eyes, and blonde or red hair are at a higher risk of developing basal cell carcinoma, as are those who have a family history of the disease. Basal cell carcinoma is usually slow-growing and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but it’s still important to treat it early to prevent it from spreading and causing disfigurement.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer, accounting for around 16% of all skin cancer cases. This type of cancer usually develops in the upper layer of the skin and appears as a firm, red bump or a scaly, crusty patch.

Squamous cell carcinoma can occur anywhere on the body, but it’s most commonly found on areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, lips, and backs of the hands.

Like basal cell carcinoma, exposure to UV radiation is the main cause of squamous cell carcinoma. People who spend a lot of time in the sun, have a history of sunburns, or use tanning beds are at a higher risk.

Fair-skinned individuals, people with a weakened immune system, and those with a family history of the disease are also more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma. This type of skin cancer is more likely to spread to other parts of the body, so it’s important to treat it early.

Melanoma

Although melanoma is less common than basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, it is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Melanoma develops in the melanocytes, which are the cells that produce skin pigment.

It often appears as a dark, irregular spot or mole and can develop anywhere on the body. Melanoma can also develop from an existing mole or as a new growth that looks different from other moles on the body.

The primary cause of melanoma is exposure to UV radiation, but there are other risk factors as well.

Fair-skinned individuals, people with lots of moles, those with a family history of the disease, and those who have had severe sunburns are all at a higher risk of developing melanoma. Early detection and treatment are critical with melanoma because it can spread quickly to other parts of the body and become life-threatening.

Reducing Your Risk of Skin Cancer

There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer:.

Limit your time in the sun

Try to avoid spending time in the sun between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest. If you do need to be outside during these times, wear protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeved shirt, and use sunscreen.

Use sunscreen

Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days. Be sure to apply it to all exposed skin and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Avoid tanning beds

Tanning beds emit UV radiation that can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer. If you want a tan, consider using a self-tanner instead.

Check your skin regularly

Perform regular skin checks to look for any new growths, changes in moles, or spots that look different from the rest of your skin. If you notice anything unusual, see a dermatologist right away.

Protect children from the sun

Children are especially vulnerable to the damaging effects of the sun, so be sure to protect them with sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing.

Conclusion

Skin cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, but it’s also highly preventable. By understanding the different types of skin cancer and their causes, you can take steps to reduce your risk and protect your skin.

Be sure to practice sun safety every day, and don’t hesitate to see a dermatologist if you notice anything unusual on your skin.