If not detected early, squamous cell cancer can spread to other parts of the body. Malignant melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and is rapidly becoming an epidemic in the United States. Melanoma, like other skin cancers, is painless at the beginning. It often appears as a brownish-black patch with an asymmetrical shape, irregular border, and nonuniform pigmentation. Also be aware of any changes in the surface or size of a mole, which could indicate melanoma.
Dermatologists agree that ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the leading cause of skin cancer.
Even sunlamps and tanning booths emit ultraviolet rays that can contribute to skin cancer and premature aging and should not be considered safe alternatives to sunbathing. What's more, it's not just a week at the beach soaking up the sun that is potentially dangerous to your skin and your health. Doctors expect the skin cancer scourge to worsen in the future because of the thinning of the earth's protective ozone layer, which filters out harmful ultraviolet rays. Other less important factors, but skin cancer contributors nevertheless, include radiation therapy, scarring from disease or burns, a family history of skin cancer and occupational exposure to certain compounds. However, years of unprotected sunbathing dramatically increase your risk of getting cancer.