Skin Cancer | Louisiana Department of Health
Source: http://dhh.louisiana.gov/office-of-public-health/skin-cancer
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:17
Skin Cancer | Louisiana Department of Health
Community Health & Wellness
Cancer
Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells most often (but not always) found on skin exposed to the sun.
Although the risk is higher in persons with lighter skin tones, anyone of any skin color can get skin cancer. About 1 in 5
Americans will develop skin cancer in his/her lifetime, per the American Cancer Society. Most skin cancers are preventable, and e
arly detection gives you the greatest chance for successful skin cancer treatment.
The best way to catch skin cancer is to check your skin for changes. It is recommended to check your skin about once a month, especially if you also exhibit other risk factors that increase your chances of getting skin cancer.
Types:
Basal cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Melanoma
Signs & Symptoms
The most common sign of skin cancer is changes on your skin, but know that not all skin cancers look the same. Pay attention to any new growth, change in a mole, or sore that doesn’t heal.
A new spot on the skin or
Changes in the size, shape or color of an existing spot. These changes can vary greatly so there is no one way to describe how a skin cancer looks.
A spot that is itchy or painful
A non-healing sore that bleeds or develops a crust
A red- or skin-colored shiny bump on the top of the skin
A red rough or scaly spot that you can feel
A growth with a raised border and central crust or bleeding
A wart-like growth
A scar-like growth without a well-defined border
Risk Factors & Behaviors
Some risk factors of skin cancer include the following, but it is important to know that factors vary for different types of skin:
Age
Fair skin
A history of sunburns
Excessive sun exposure
Sunny or high-altitude climates
Increased number of moles
Precancerous skin lesions
A family history of skin cancer
A personal history of skin cancer
A weakened immune system
Exposure to radiation
Exposure to certain substances - including arsenic
Prevention Methods
Avoid the sun during the middle of the day
Wear sunscreen year-round
Wear protective clothing
Avoid tanning beds
Be aware of sun-sensitizing medications
Check your skin regularly and report changes to your doctor
Testing
Skin cancer screening is a visual exam that is done by a healthcare provider. It involves use of a magnifying glass, in most cases with a light to look more closely at moles and spots (birthmarks or other abnormal discoloration).
Skin exams
Skin biopsies
Talk to your doctor about your skin cancer risk, and about any changes in your skin like unusual discoloration or moles.
Treatment Options
Freezing
Excisional surgery
Mohs surgery
Curettage and electrodesiccation or cryotherapy
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Photodynamic therapy
Biological therapy
Local Resources
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center: Skin Cancer
Louisiana Cancer Research Center
National Resources
CDC: Skin Cancer
National Cancer Institute: Skin Cancer
American Cancer Society: Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer Foundation
National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention
Surgeon General
Evelyn Griffin, MD
Secretary
Bruce D. Greenstein
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Cicero Government
Community Health & Wellness
Cancer
Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells most often (but not always) found on skin exposed to the sun.
Although the risk is higher in persons with lighter skin tones, anyone of any skin color can get skin cancer. About 1 in 5
Americans will develop skin cancer in his/her lifetime, per the American Cancer Society. Most skin cancers are preventable, and e
arly detection gives you the greatest chance for successful skin cancer treatment.
The best way to catch skin cancer is to check your skin for changes. It is recommended to check your skin about once a month, especially if you also exhibit other risk factors that increase your chances of getting skin cancer.
Types:
Basal cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Melanoma
Signs & Symptoms
The most common sign of skin cancer is changes on your skin, but know that not all skin cancers look the same. Pay attention to any new growth, change in a mole, or sore that doesn’t heal.
A new spot on the skin or
Changes in the size, shape or color of an existing spot. These changes can vary greatly so there is no one way to describe how a skin cancer looks.
A spot that is itchy or painful
A non-healing sore that bleeds or develops a crust
A red- or skin-colored shiny bump on the top of the skin
A red rough or scaly spot that you can feel
A growth with a raised border and central crust or bleeding
A wart-like growth
A scar-like growth without a well-defined border
Risk Factors & Behaviors
Some risk factors of skin cancer include the following, but it is important to know that factors vary for different types of skin:
Age
Fair skin
A history of sunburns
Excessive sun exposure
Sunny or high-altitude climates
Increased number of moles
Precancerous skin lesions
A family history of skin cancer
A personal history of skin cancer
A weakened immune system
Exposure to radiation
Exposure to certain substances - including arsenic
Prevention Methods
Avoid the sun during the middle of the day
Wear sunscreen year-round
Wear protective clothing
Avoid tanning beds
Be aware of sun-sensitizing medications
Check your skin regularly and report changes to your doctor
Testing
Skin cancer screening is a visual exam that is done by a healthcare provider. It involves use of a magnifying glass, in most cases with a light to look more closely at moles and spots (birthmarks or other abnormal discoloration).
Skin exams
Skin biopsies
Talk to your doctor about your skin cancer risk, and about any changes in your skin like unusual discoloration or moles.
Treatment Options
Freezing
Excisional surgery
Mohs surgery
Curettage and electrodesiccation or cryotherapy
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Photodynamic therapy
Biological therapy
Local Resources
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center: Skin Cancer
Louisiana Cancer Research Center
National Resources
CDC: Skin Cancer
National Cancer Institute: Skin Cancer
American Cancer Society: Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer Foundation
National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention
Surgeon General
Evelyn Griffin, MD
Secretary
Bruce D. Greenstein
Powered by
Cicero Government