Melanoma Risk Assessment

Skin cancer is a tumor or growth of abnormal skin cells. A change on the skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. It may be a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a change in an old growth.

Common types of skin cancer include:

Basal Cell Carcinoma

• The most common type of skin cancer (about eight out of 10 skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas)
• Often found in sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, necks, lips and back of hands

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• Tends to grow and spread more than basal cell cancers
• Often invades the fatty tissues just beneath the skin

Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas occur in the surface layer of the skin. When found early, they can be easily cured.

Malignant Melanoma

• The most dangerous form of skin cancer
• Melanomas initially appear on the surface of the skin as a change in the shape, size, color, or feel of a mole
• If detected early, they are easy to treat
• If not detected early, the cancer can spread to other parts of the body where it becomes harder to treat and be life-threatening

Take the Melanoma Risk Assessment to learn about your risk of developing melanoma. Talk with your doctor about your results – and do so right away if you notice any changes in the shape, size, color or feel of a mole.