Did you know that 1.3 million new skin cancer cases are diagnosed each year? Even a bit of overexposure to the sun can harm your immune system. Luckily, you can prevent sun-related disease and skin damage with a small amount of effort each day.

Knowing the Enemy

Fortunately, the most common form of skin cancer progresses slowly and is highly treatable. Known as basal cell carcinoma, this form of the disease usually starts out as shiny bumps that bleed from time to time. Basal cell carcinoma makes up about 75% of all skin cancer cases.

The next most common form of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, accounts for up to 20% of all cases. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma is characterized by red, scaly patches of skin that become open sores. However, like basal cell carcinoma, it is relatively easy to treat.

The skin cancer to look out for is malignant melanoma, which typically begins as a lowly mole. Though uncommon, malignant melanoma is responsible for nearly 80% of all skin cancer deaths. Therefore, it’s important to have any suspicious-looking moles checked by a doctor.

What Makes a Mole Suspicious?

Only your doctor can diagnose skin cancer, but you should be on the lookout for the telltale signs of the disease. These include:

• A bump that bleeds and crusts over
• A red, flat spot that bleeds easily
• Thin, red lines of spiderlike blood vessels
• A firm red bump that does not disappear
• A sore that doesn’t heal
• A growth of scaly or crusty skin
• Any change in the size, shape, or color of a mole

You are also at risk for skin cancer if you have fair skin and light eyes or hair, if you had several sunburns as a child, if anyone in your family has had skin cancer, or if you have a number of moles or freckles.