What causes skin cancers to form?

What causes skin cancers to form?

The main cause of skin cancer is overexposure to sunlight, especially when it results in sunburn and blistering. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun damage DNA in your skin, causing abnormal cells to form. These abnormal cells rapidly divide in a disorganized manner, forming a mass of cancer cells.

What cause 90% of skin cancer?

More than 90 percent of skin cancers are caused by sun exposure . Skin cancers are divided into two major groups: nonmelanoma and melanoma. Nonmelanoma skin cancers (usually basal cell and squamous cell) are the most common cancers of the skin.

How does skin cancer affect a person’s daily life?

Receiving a skin cancer diagnosis is a life-changing experience. Fear, anxiety, depression, and other emotions can run rampant, regardless of your specific diagnosis and treatment options. For many, although diagnosis may be scary, there are treatment options and ways to manage and improve your condition.

Where does skin cancer start?

Skin cancer begins in the cells that make up the outer layer (epidermis) of your skin. One type of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma begins in the basal cells, which make skin cells that continuously push older cells toward the surface.

What is skin cancer called?

Skin cancer that forms in melanocytes (skin cells that make pigment) is called melanoma. Skin cancer that forms in the lower part of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) is called basal cell carcinoma.

Who is at risk for skin cancer?

People with a fair complexion, blond or red hair, blue eyes, and freckles are at increased risk for developing skin cancer. People whose skin has a tendency to burn rather than tan also have an increased risk. Despite this, all people, regardless of skin color, are at risk for developing skin cancer.

Is skin cancer serious?

Melanoma is the most invasive skin cancer with the highest risk of death. While it’s a serious skin cancer, it’s highly curable if caught early. Prevention and early treatment are critical, especially if you have fair skin, blonde or red hair and blue eyes.

What are the 3 types of skin cancer?

Overview. Skin cancer — the abnormal growth of skin cells — most often develops on skin exposed to the sun. But this common form of cancer can also occur on areas of your skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight. There are three major types of skin cancer — basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

What are 5 risk factors of skin cancer?

What Are the Risk Factors for Skin Cancer?

• A lighter natural skin color.
• Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun.
• Blue or green eyes.
• Blond or red hair.
• Certain types and a large number of moles.
• A family history of skin cancer.
• A personal history of skin cancer.
• Older age.

Who is high risk for skin cancer?

What are 5 Risk Factors of skin cancer?