Welcome To Skin Cancer Awareness
Every year, over 5 million people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer. This is 10 times more people than are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. It is also more than five times more common for people who are diagnosed with traditional cancers like colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and others.
Even though skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, there has never been a widely accepted skin cancer logo. This has now changed with a skin cancer logo designed by Andrew A. Hendricks, MD, for SkinCancerAwareness.com in support of skin cancer patients and their families!
This trademarked logo design consists of an ORANGE wing to represent the “burning” rays of the sun and a BLUE wing to depict sun reflection off water. A yellow wing for “sunlight” was not used, as SkinCancerAwareness.com encourages everyone to enjoy outdoor activities while using sunscreen and sun protection.
Skin Cancer Awareness products are currently being developed to encourage regular skin examinations and the use of sunscreens and sun protection. Any profit from this skin cancer awareness website goes to a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports Skin Cancer Awareness. CLICK HERE to support SKIN CANCER AWARENESS with a purchase from our SkinCancerAwareness.com webstore.
Remember that over 10,000 people die in the United States every year from skin cancer, usually Melanoma. Skin cancer can often be prevented by the use of sunscreen [Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 or higher], sun protection, and regular skin examinations. Our goal is to increase public awareness of the dangers of unprotected sunlight exposure and to encourage the practice of sun safety and regular skin examinations.
Resources from the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery were consulted for this website.
Andrew A. Hendricks, MD
Board Certified in Dermatology
Board Certified in Cosmetic Surgery
DISCLAIMER
The text and opinions on this website are those of Andrew A. Hendricks, MD. Viewers and patients should consult with their personal dermatologist or family doctor before deciding on a diagnosis or treatment. Suggestions for our website at [email protected]
Dr. Hendricks is a graduate of Princeton University and the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He did his dermatology residency and fellowship at the Johns Hopkins Medical Center. Dr. Hendricks is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (FAAD); a Fellow of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (FASDS); a Fellow of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (FASLMS); and a Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (FAAC).
TYPES OF SKIN CANCER
The most common types of skin cancer and what to be aware of.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
This is the most common type of skin cancer. It most often appears on skin exposed to the sun, such as the face, scalp, neck, hands, and arms, but can appear on any part of the body. BCC may never metastasize, but it can grow deep and wide, affecting surrounding tissue and structures. This is especially concerning on the face, where such an alteration can affect the eyes and ears and be cosmetically difficult to handle.
Melanoma
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) in the skin. Unlike non-melanoma skin cancers (basal and squamous cell carcinomas), melanoma can grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body. However, when detected early and treated, the cure rate can be very high.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a common type of skin cancer that typically appears on sun-exposed skin because of increased Ultraviolet (UV) ray exposure. In these areas, SCCs can develop from untreated Actinic Keratoses. However, it is important to know that SCCs can appear elsewhere on the body, including inside the mouth, on the lip, or on the genitals.
Actinic Keratoses
Actinic keratoses (AKs), also called solar keratoses, are scaly, crusty growths (lesions) caused by damage from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. They are often elevated or rough in texture. Most become red, but some will be tan, pink, and/or flesh-toned. If left untreated, up to ten percent of AKs develop into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) over the course of 10 years.
