03/29/2026
Wellness Tip #85
Check your skin for new moles or lesions every week. Ask your doctor for a skin cancer check every year.
Skin cancer happens when skin cells are damaged, usually from the sun (UV Light) it chemicals.
There are three main types of skin cancer, ranging from most common to most serious:
🤷🏽♂️Basal Cell Carcinoma:
This is the most common type, about 80% of skin cancers.
🤷🏼♀️Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
This accounts for about 12% of skin cancers.
🤷🏻Melanoma
Less common than the other two types, the most dangerous form of skin cancer because it’s more likely to spread to other parts of the body. It can develop anywhere on the body and often appears as a new mole or a change in an existing mole.
The “ABCD” rule helps identify suspicious moles: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than 6mm.
🤷🏿♀️Major Risk Factors:
🧴Previous Radiation Treatment - Having received radiation therapy for other conditions increases risk in the treated area.
🧴UV Radiation Exposure- This is the primary risk factor, including exposure from the sun and tanning beds, especially at high altitudes when hiking, skiing, skydiving, those who live in desert climates or near the equator, those who boat or fish on the reflective water.
🧴Skin Type- Those with fair-skin, blonde hair, red hair, those who burn easily, those with light-colored eyes, those who don’t wear sunscreen,
🧴Chemical Exposure- Exposure to certain chemicals like arsenic can increase risk, agricultural workers, construction workers, and those who work outside.
🧴Age-Risk increases with age, as sun damage builds up over time, but also children who play outdoors in the sun, or are outside between 12-4pm
🧴Family History- Having had skin cancer before increases risk of developing it again. A family history of skin cancer, also increases risk.
🧴Moles- Having many moles (more than 50) or unusual moles increases melanoma risk.
🧴Weak Immune System- This can be due to medical conditions, organ transplants, mold, or certain medications.
📱Schedule an appointment by texting (480) 666-5505 today.
