The term 'nonmelanoma skin cancer' is often used to refer to basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. However, other less common forms of nonmelanoma skin cancers include:
• 'Adnexal' carcinomas, which arise from sweat glands, sebaceous glands (oil glands), and hair follicles
• Merkel cell cancer
• Sarcomas of the skin

'Keratinocyte' carcinoma refers specifically to skin cancers that arise from skin cells (keratinocytes) in the epidermis. Basal cell carcinomas comprise approximately 80% of keratinocyte carcinomas, and squamous cell carcinomas comprise approximately 20%.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that you see a dermatologist once a year for a full-body skin cancer screening. Individuals at higher risk for skin cancer may be screened more frequently. The Skin Cancer Foundation also recommends that you perform a monthly self-skin exam at home in a well-lit room.

You can find some helpful pointers on performing self-skin exams at:
https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/self-exams/
and
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/find/check-skin

Detect skin cancer: How to perform a skin self-exam

Follow these tips from board-certified dermatologists to increase your chances of spotting skin cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/find/check-skin

#Colon #Cancer is the second leading cause of Cancer Deaths in the U.S. There are a number of #Screening tests that your doctor can recommend, depending on your age, as well as your personal and/or family history of colon cancer. #Colonoscopy, the #FIT test to check for blood in stool, and the stool #DNA test are some options available. Early colon cancer detection can dramatically increase the patient's chance of survival.

The role of intestinal (gut) bacteria has been fascinating. Gut bacteria have been shown to boost the immune system. Researchers from the University of Chicago have discovered that the bacterium Bifidobacterium helped boost the immune system in mice to such a degree that its effectiveness was comparable to anti-cancer drugs. Researchers are confident that future studies will show the same effect in human cancer patients.

#PreventiveCare is still on during #Covid, and this is especially important for #CancerScreening. #Doctors have put in place lots of #safely measures in their offices, and making it safe for you to visit your #Internist or #PrimaryCare #Doctor for your necessary annual screenings.
http://www.acpinternist.org/archives/2020/11/preventive-care-still-on-during-covid-19.htm

MELANOMA is the leading cause of CANCER DEATH in young adults ages 25 to 29 in the U.S. TANNING BOOTHS can increase your risk of developing melanoma by several-fold. There is no regulation for tanning devices and booths in most states. So we as Dermatologists encourage the public to research this topic further and to seriously consider our recommendation to stop the use of tanning booths. It could save lives!

What’s the difference between a basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer? To your dermatologist, it can be very obvious based on their physical appearance. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It typically occurs on sun exposed areas of the skin and is slow growing. It is very rare for a BCC to spread, however if left untreated can become larger.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) also occurs in sun exposed areas. If actinic keratoses are left untreated they can eventually become SCC. If left untreated, squamous skin cancer are more likely to spread deeper into the skin, or spread.
Both types are very responsive to treatment. To ensure a skin cancer is caught early, keep up with regular skin exams, watch for changes, and wear your sun screen!

Regular skin exams are crucial to healthy skin. The earlier a skin cancer is detected, the better the prognosis. Whether you go once a year or twice a year for your skin check, make sure you think about your eyes too. See an opthalmologist once a year and ask them to check the back of your eye for any sun damage. And when you head outdoors in the beautiful San Diego sunshine don’t forget your sunscreen, hat AND sunglasses!