Skin Cancer
Disease Information
Overview
Skin cancer is a malignant tumor that grows in the skin cells and accounts for more than 50 percent of all cancers. Almost half of all Americans who live to age 65 will be diagnosed with skin cancer at some point in their lives, but skin cancers are rare in children.
- Skin cancers usually arise from large, asymmetric moles with irregular borders and coloration.
- Exposure to sunlight is the major contributing factor to developing skin cancer later in life.
- Limiting your child's exposure to the sun's harmful rays is the number one thing you can do to prevent skin cancer.
- It's also important to examine your child's skin on a regular basis and become familiar with moles and other skin conditions so that you can identify any changes.
