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What is Your Skin Trying to Tell You?


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Over the past three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined. The sooner skin cancer is diagnosed and treated, the greater the likelihood of a cure. An estimated one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

Melanoma is one of the most common cancers to strike people younger than age 30. It accounts for only one percent of all skin cancers but causes a large majority of skin cancer deaths. The American Cancer Society’s estimates that about 87,110 new melanomas will be diagnosed in 2017.

Healthy Habits and Early Detection Can Save your Skin

There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Cumulative sun exposure is a major risk factor for developing the first two types of skin cancer. But acute sunburns are often linked to melanoma. Know how recognize the early signs of skin cancer, how it is treated and what you can do to help protect your skin.

Self-Check for Moles

Anyone who has ever had a sunburn is at risk for melanoma, but genetics also play a part. People who are fair skinned or have a family history must be more alert about changes in to their skin.

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