Skin Cancer

There are several different types of skin cancer. The most common forms of the disease are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Actinic keratosis is a skin condition that sometimes becomes squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma is the rarest form of skin cancer, but is still one of the 10 most common types of cancer in the United States, according to federal statistics. You can learn more about melanoma.

Nonmelanoma skin cancers rarely spread to other parts of the body. Skin cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in the United States with more than 6 million cases diagnosed each year.

Skin color and being exposed to sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as indoor tanning, can increase the risk of skin cancer and actinic keratosis.

Skin Cancer Prevention (PDQ®) Skin Cancer Screening (PDQ®) Skin Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)

Source: National Cancer Institute