Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers yet it's also one of the most easily prevented and easily treated. If you have the right information, you stand a very good chance of being able to protect yourself from skin cancer. Use the Skin Cancer Web Guide to learn what skin cancer is, what the risk factors and causes are, and how you can prevent and treat it.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat Is Skin Cancer?
There are three types of skin cancer: basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma. Although the first two are far more prevalent, melanoma is more serious and causes more deaths. The sites below can give you an introduction to skin cancer, whether you're working on prevention or dealing with a diagnosis.
Insights for Skin Cancer
- Don't be surprised if you find overlap in information for the three kinds of cancer. In fact, as you read over these sites you might notice more similarities than differences.
- Although precancerous growths and cancer are two different things, precancerous growths still require a visit to the dermatologist.
- For additional research, support and information about cancer in general, read the findingDulcinea Cancer Web Guide.
Top Sites for Skin Cancer
For general information on melanomas ...
Melanoma.com
defines melanoma, the most serious kind of skin cancer. Find out where on the body melanoma appears in both men and women, and read about the diagnostic process. Take advantage of the site's skin cancer glossary as a supplement to your research.
OncoLink
is a cancer Web site run by the University of Pennsylvania explaining melanomas and what they look like, the risk factors and common treatments.
American Cancer Society
presents a PDF document, "Why You Should Know About Melanoma." It outlines the dangers of melanoma, defines risk groups and teaches you what to look for in terms of self-diagnosis.
For general information about other kinds of skin cancer ...
Skin Cancer Foundation
gives a brief description of squamous and basal cell carcinomas, the two non-melanoma skin cancers.
MedlinePlus
has a concise but comprehensive description of basal cell skin cancer, as well as a picture of what's going on under the skin when this cancer is present. The site has a similar page for squamous cell cancer.
National Cancer Institute
provides information about Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare kind of skin cancer that's usually a result of sun damage.
Skin Cancer Risk
Doctors have a pretty clear and solid understanding of who gets skin cancer. Use the sites below to find more information on skin cancer risk.
Insights for Skin Cancer Risk
- If you're in a high-risk group, it's not a cause for panic. Take precautionary methods to protect yourself from the sun, and make sure that you visit a dermatologist regularly.
- Just because you're not in a high-risk group doesn't mean you're immune. Everyone should follow the guidelines recommended in the "Preventing Skin Cancer" section of this guide.
Top Sites for Skin Cancer Risk
American Cancer Society
provides a list of risk factors that extends well beyond sun damage or having fair skin. Genetic predispositions, a weakened immune system and previous medical treatments all increase your risk.
Skin Cancer Foundation
identifies skin types and explains which groups are at higher risk for cancer. Use the pictures and descriptions to determine which skin type you are.
Melanoma.com
has a quiz to help you determine if you're at risk for developing melanoma. The quiz is no substitution for a doctor's diagnosis, but it can heighten your awareness.
Skin Cancer Signs and Diagnosis
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than half of diagnosed melanomas are found by the patient first. If you know what to look for, you can catch your skin cancer in an early phase, increasing your chances of a successful recovery. Be proactive and use the sites below to learn about skin cancer signs and diagnosis.
Insights for Skin Cancer Signs and Diagnosis
- Some of the symptoms or precancers you'll read about below are warning signs, not certain indicators of cancer. For example, if you have an atypical mole, you should monitor it and notify a doctor about changes, but don't jump to conclusions.
- If you are diagnosed with cancer, your cancer will be staged (given a number) to determine the course your treatment will take. The higher the number, the more serious the cancer and the more aggressive the treatment will likely be.
Top Sites for Skin Cancer Signs and Diagnosis
For skin cancer symptoms ...
ehealthMD
delivers a concise explanation of the symptoms of skin cancer. Especially note the "Nice To Know" section (scroll down to find it), which details how to determine whether a growth is cancerous.
Skin Cancer Foundation
lists the various kinds of precancers and their treatments, with accompanying pictures. The site also describes dysplastic nevi (atypical moles), which may also indicate whether you're at risk for skin cancer.
For skin cancer self-exams ...
National Cancer Institute
shows pictures of the symptoms of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. If you're doing a self-examination, these are the irregularities you should be looking out for.
Skin Cancer Foundation
covers self-exams and why they're so important. Learn how to perform a self-exam and what to look for.
For information on skin cancer diagnosis ...
SkinCancerNet
describes how skin cancer is diagnosed. Learn what steps your doctor will take to determine if you have cancer.
MedicineNet
describes a skin biopsy, the procedure you'll have if your doctor determines a section of skin is abnormal.
MedlinePlus
defines a skin lesion biopsy and explains what the test is like and how you can prepare for it.
For information on skin cancer staging ...
The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
describes how melanoma is staged. You'll learn what's going on physically with your melanoma at each of four stages.
Cancer Research UK
explains how non-melanoma skin cancer is staged.
Skin Cancer Prevention
It's often hard to determine the origin of a cancer but skin cancer's causes are plain as day. Although there are some other factors that may increase risk, sun damage is the primary culprit. Use the sites below to get information on skin cancer prevention.
Insights for Skin Cancer Prevention
- Although preventative measures for skin cancer are more evident than for other cancers, there are still no guarantees.
Top Sites for Skin Cancer Prevention
Mayo Clinic
describes the causes of skin cancer. Become familiar with these so you understand the suggestions for reducing risk.
American Cancer Society
tests your sun-safety savvy with a quiz. Make sure to read this article about how to avoid sun exposure; it has tips for shielding your eyes and choosing protective clothing and hats, and offers specific guidelines for kids.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
offers information on how to protect yourself from the sun. Take advantage of information on protecting kids from the sun.
Skin Cancer Foundation
has a list of recommended products for skin cancer prevention.
Skin Cancer Treatment
Although skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, it is also the most easily treated. Below you'll find sites that explain skin cancer treatment options for all three kinds of skin cancer.
Insights for Skin Cancer Treatment
- Your treatment will be partially determined by the stage of your cancer. For information about staging, see the "Skin Cancer Signs and Diagnosis" section of this guide.
- Skin cancer treatment may require surgery that will leave scars. As a result, some people choose to have a plastic surgeon perform the procedure. If you'd like more information about plastic surgery in general, or about how to choose a surgeon, take a look at our Plastic Surgery Web Guide.
Top Sites for Skin Cancer Treatment
For overviews of skin cancer treatment options ...
HealthCentral
has an article, "Skin Cancer: What to Do If You're Diagnosed," by dermatologist Kevin Berman. This article can help you to start thinking logically about various treatment options.
Mayo Clinic
lists the many treatment options for non-melanoma skin cancer. Each treatment is followed by a brief description, so you may want to do more in-depth research.
The Rhode Island Cancer Council, Inc.
describes your options for non-melanoma treatment, with a focus on the different types of surgery available. The site also briefly covers the side effects of radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Cancer Research UK
has thorough coverage of a few newer treatments for cancer. Many of the more complicated medical terms are hyperlinked to definitions.
For reviewing specific aspects of skin cancer treatment ...
VideoJug
has a series featuring a dermatologist discussing skin cancer treatment. On the right of this video look for links to several other videos that cover a wide variety of topics.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
describes the various treatment options utilized by the hospital for melanoma and explains how different treatments depend on each other, the type of cancer and the stage.
For information on complementary and alternative skin cancer treatments ...
University of Maryland Medical Center
has a full page on standard skin cancer treatment; scroll down to find sound advice on alternative treatments. Explore the Center's "Complementary and Alternative Medicine Index" as well.
Skin Cancer Research and News
Doctors and researchers continue to investigate the causes and cures for skin cancer. Use the sites below to find the latest in skin cancer research and news.
Insights for Skin Cancer Research and News
- You'll find additional information about skin cancer research in general medical journals. Expedite your inquiry by entering "skin cancer" into the search bar of the online versions of these medical journals.
- The articles below are mostly directed at the research community, so it may not be clear to you how the findings affect you or your cancer. Some of the patient-oriented sites in the sections above will post research news and explain how results factor into your personal treatment and prevention.
Top Sites for Skin Cancer Research and News
National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention
posts council meeting updates indicating new developments in skin cancer research and education. Download PowerPoint presentations and slideshows from each meeting to learn about the organization's latest activities.
American Cancer Society
reports on "What's New in Melanoma Research?" The page summarizes developments in treatment and news on prevention.
Journal of Clinical Oncology
aggregates articles on skin cancer research. Read abstracts (short summaries) for free, or pay for the full text.
Skin Cancer Support
The sites below offer alternatives to the official medical sites listed in the rest of this guide. You'll find forums for discussion both online and on land where you can connect with others and find skin cancer support.
Insights for Skin Cancer Support
- Remember that these forums are open to the public. Don't share anything unless you don't mind making it public.
- Although forums can offer helpful advice, the information you find should never be put into practice unless you've checked with a doctor first.
Top Sites for Skin Cancer Support
American Cancer Society
sponsors the "Cancer Survivors Network," a message board and chat room for people living with and overcoming skin cancer. Look for discussions on the different types of skin cancers, and information for the newly diagnosed.
SkinCancerConnection.com
has a skin cancer forum where you can ask questions, answer questions or simply chat with others. The forum also provides resources for finding a doctor, connecting with people in your area or even finding skin cancer-related books.
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
