The condition of our skin is generally the first thing others notice. While we all desire to have clear, healthy, youthful skin, some people could be living with skin cancer and not be aware. The doctors at our dermatology office can detect and treat skin cancer.
If you are noticing spots and marks that are unfamiliar and raising concern, contact K2 Dermatology today!
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer comes in many different forms, shapes, sizes, and at different stages in life. The uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells and unrepaired DNA. Damaged skin cells results in the growth of skin cancer. Ultraviolet radiation and overexposure of the sun or tanning beds trigger mutations that lead the skin cells to multiply and form malignant tumors.
The different types of skin cancers are:
- Actinic keratosis
- Atypical moles
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Melanoma
- Merkel cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
With more than 5.4 million cases of skin cancer reported each year, K2 Dermatology is committed to more than just the appearance of your skin, we want you and your skin to be healthy so you can live your best life.
Prevention is everything when it comes to skin cancer. The sun does offer plenty of benefits, however, it can lead to life-threatening and serious long-term skin issues, including skin cancer.
Here are a few known facts about skin cancer to be aware of according to The Skin Cancer Foundation:
- More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the United States than any other cancers combined.
- One in five people in America will develop skin cancer by the age of 70 years old.
- In the past ten years, the number of new melanoma cases increased by 53 percent.
- The majority of melanomas are caused by the sun.
- Men under the age of 50 years old have a greater chance of developing melanoma than any other cancer.
- Approximately 90 percent of aging skin is caused by the sun.
- People who use sunscreen on a daily basis show 24 percent less skin aging than those who do not use sunscreen.
- More people develop skin cancer because of indoor tanning than those who develop lung cancer because of smoking.
- A person’s risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than five sunburns in their lifetime.
- One person passes away due to melanoma every hour.
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer.
- The annual cost of treating skin cancers in the United States is estimated at $8.1 billion.
How To Detect Skin Cancer
Only a board certified dermatologist can detect and diagnose skin cancer, but there are signs and symptoms to be on the lookout for. Practicing monthly examinations on yourself to check for new lesions or abnormalities is the best way to treat skin cancers. Most skin cancers that are found and removed early on are almost always curable.
Most people benefit from self examinations that are performed once a month. If helpful, consult with a doctor to rule out any existing spots, freckles, or moles so you are familiar with what is considered normal.
Our dermatologists are well-trained and versed in detecting skin cancer at very early stages. If you are concerned about a new spot you recently discovered, don’t wait and contact our dermatology clinic at K2 Dermatology.
K2 Dermatology clinic in Boulder is proud to serve our community with the best dermatology services. From treating acne, to cosmetology services, and skin cancer detection K2 Dermatology can help you!
Check out our services page to learn more and request an appointment with one of our dermatologists and get the clear, healthy skin you’ve always wanted!
