And more than 1 million new cases of squamous cell and basal cell skin cancers, both highly curable forms of skin cancer, will be detected this year. People who have many moles or certain types of atypical moles and those with relatives who have had melanoma are more likely to develop this skin cancer. Incidence rates are more than 10 times higher in whites than in African-Americans. However, no one can be considered entirely free from the risk of melanoma skin cancer and all suspicious skin changes should be examined. Aside from these factors, melanoma most often occurs among people who work or enjoy recreational activities in the sun sunbathing, gardening, golfing or playing other outdoor sports.
B is for border irregularity edges are notched, ragged or blurred.
C is for color pigmentation or color is not uniform or is intensely black. D is for diameter anything over 6 millimeters should be watched as well as any sudden or progressive increase in size. Basal and squamous cell skin cancers often take the form of a pale, wax-like, pearly nodule or a red, scaly, sharply outlined patch. All adults should check themselves regularly for these potential signs of melanoma and see a physician. Children in particular should be protected from the sun because of the link between severe sunburns in childhood and risk of melanoma later in life.