Do you really know the types of skin cancer?

A clear, simple guide to what’s common, what’s dangerous, and who’s at risk. 

The 2 main types of skin cancer

1) Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) Includes:
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

Rarely deadly, but surgery can leave scars
Most often appear on sun-exposed areas: face, ears, neck, forearms
Strongly linked to long-term, repeated UV exposure

Studies from the US, Canada, and Australia show NMSC rates more than doubled from the 1960s to 1980s.

2) Melanoma

Less common, but far more dangerous.
Main cause of skin-cancer deaths
Incidence in the U.S. has increased ~4% per year since the 1970s
Strongly connected to genetics, skin type, and UV behavior

Major risk factors:
Many atypical moles
Fair skin, blue eyes, red or blond hair
Intense, occasional sun exposure (e.g., vacation tanning)
Sunburns—especially in childhood
Highest rates found in Australia (10–20× higher than Europe!)

How common is it?
2–3 million non-melanoma skin cancers per year worldwide
132,000 melanoma cases annually
1 in 3 cancers diagnosed is skin cancer
1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime

Ozone depletion = more UV = more skin cancer.
A 10% ozone decrease may lead to 300,000 more NMSC and 4,500 more melanomas each year.

Who is most at risk?
High risk (Skin Types I–II)
Very fair skin
Blue/green/hazel eyes
Blond or red hair
Burn easily, tan poorly
Many moles or freckles
Family history of skin cancer
Past severe sunburns

Medium risk (Skin Types III–IV)
Medium skin tones
Dark eyes, dark hair
Sometimes burn

Lower risk (Skin Types V–VI)
Deep brown or black skin
Still need protection—UV can damage every skin type.

No matter your skin tone, sun protection is essential.
Healthy skin = consistent sunscreen.

Quote: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-ultraviolet-(uv)-radiation-and-skin-cancer