Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and more people are diagnosed with it than prostate cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, and of the breast combined (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2014). If diagnosed and treated early, it is also the easiest type of cancer to cure. Learning about the different types of skin cancer, recognizing the signs, symptoms of each type, risk factors, treatment and prevention will increase your chances of an early diagnosis. Types of Skin Cancer The types of skin cancer are melanoma and non-melanoma, which are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma is the rarest of the types and begins in melanocytes, or pigmented cells in the skin (National Cancer Institute, 2013). It is more serious than non-melanoma tumors because it can spread to other areas of the body. Nonmelanoma tumors are more common and begin in the basal and squamous layers of the skin (National Cancer Institute, 2013). It is rare for this type of cancer to spread to any other area of ​​the body. Signs and Symptoms With melanoma, you should check all moles for irregularities. If you notice a change in an existing mole such as shape, size, color and feel or are unsure about a new mole, you should contact your doctor. Use the acronym ABDCE when checking moles for melanoma. ABCDE stands for asymmetry - one side does not match the other, irregular border with jagged edges, non-uniform color and contains various shades of brown, black or tan, diameter - increase in size and evolution - the mole has changed over a period of time (National Cancer Institute, 2011). With non-melanoma tumors, you would question areas of the skin that are unusual. Any open wounds that may cake on the top and center of the paper... y patients about the dangers of the sun and its effects on our skin. I remember the days when I was young and we would go to the beach and it was the "in" thing to do to use baby oil and just bake in the sun. This not only increases your chances of getting skin cancer, but also damages your skin in other ways, such as premature aging and sun spots. It's not very attractive to look like you're 50 when you're actually 30. Conclusion Even though skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, it is also preventable if you know the right steps to take. Education about different types of cancer, risk factors, and preventative measures will help reduce your chances of hearing the dreaded “cancer” diagnosis. Perform self-checks every month and take extra steps to protect yourself when you're out in the sun. It will pay off in the long run.