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 Skin cancer strikes more people worldwide than any other form of cancer.
Although more common in fair-skinned people, anyone can develop skin cancer. In the United States alone,
1 million Americans will be diagnosed with the disease this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The main cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight, especially when too much time is spent in the sun. Avoiding sun overexposure is the best defense against skin cancer. And, catching skin cancer early can provide a better chance for successful treatment.
Skin Cancer:
Watch Your Back!
Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer,
is most often found on the upper back. That's why it's so important to perform
full-body skin checks at least every six months, says St. John's Clinic-
Dermatology's
Raffaele Pennella, M.D.
"Recruit a spouse or another family member to
check out your back and the backs of your arms and legs for suspicious-looking
moles. If you live alone, use mirrors to get a full view of your skin," Pennella
says. "Use the ABCD test (below). If a mole looks suspicious, get it checked out
by a dermatologist as soon as possible."
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